Question

Item 1: An author's reason for writing is the definition for which of the following?
A) cause/effect
B) informational text
C) author's purpose
D) point of view

In the following section, match the excerpt from "Perfectly Imperfect" to its text structure. Remember, text structure is how the author organizes information for the reader.

Item 2: Like rabbits, all organisms, including people, adapt to their environments. The process of evolution selects for the survival of organisms that thrive in their specific environments. But evolution isn't engineering.
A) cause/effect
B) compare/contrast
C) description
D)problem/solution
E) sequence

Item 3: In fact, Phelps' body is quite unusual. The best swimmers tend to have long torsos and short legs. Phelps is 6 feet 4 inches, but his torso is as long as what you would expect to see in a man who is 6 feet 8 inches tall.
A) cause/effect
B) compare/contrast
C) description
D) problem/solution
E) sequence

Item 4: Our knees are a compromise that allow us to be bipedal. More recent ancestors of humans lost the ability to make vitamin C, but we figured out a way to solve this problem with a change in diet.
A) cause/effect
B) compare/contrast
C) description
D) problem/solution
E) sequence

Reread the concluding paragraphs from "Perfectly Imperfect" then answer the question.
In biology, there is no such thing as one ideal body. In fact, variation in all living things, including us, is the rule. This variation is essential for our survival. Human variation has allowed us to live in wildly different environments—the tropics, deserts, and the Arctic—and to develop many different physical, intellectual, and emotional talents. Not only is there no ideal human body, but our species also thrives because we are different from one another, each of us particularly suited for our own way of living.

How might Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Simone Biles define perfection? Perhaps they might say that perfection, or close to it, occurs in peak athletic performance. Their physical traits certainly helped them excel at their sports. However, it was hard work, dedication, and training that allowed them to soar.

How do you define perfection? Maybe something about you seems different. Can you combine your unique physical, mental, and emotional skills and your attitude in a way that works toward your version of perfection?

Item 5: "There is no such thing as an ideal body, which is a good thing because flaws and variations have helped humans survive" is an example of which of the following?
A) author's point of view
B) author's purpose
C) author persuading the reader
D) author informing the reader

Item 6: What is the author's main purpose for writing "Perfectly Imperfect"?
A) to entertain readers with colorful descriptions of famous works of art by da Vinci
B) to inform readers about how physical flaws can actually help humans and animals survive
C) to persuade readers to see that physical traits are more important than athletic training
D) to persuade readers to be less concerned with the flaws they perceive in their own bodies

Item 7: How can you determine an author's point of view?
A) the author's reason for writing
B) the author's use of persuasive writing techniques
C) whether the author expresses judgment or value
D) whether the author writes in first person or third person

Item 8: Which statement shows an information purpose?
A) Let me tell you about the most bizarre camping trip I ever took.
B) Having certain items on hand will make your camping trip a success.
C) Camping is so awful that you might as well stay home.
D) The absolutely best place to go camping is Cape Disappointment State Park.

Item 9: Which pair of words suggests a positive point of view?
A) serious and solution
B) devastating and failure
C) achieve and objectionable
D) hope and improvement

Item 10: Being open-minded means that you are_____.
A) reading facts and details
B) willing to consider a new idea or custom
C) having your brain literally exposed
D) unwilling to consider a new idea or custom

Answer 1

Item 1: C

Item 2: A — cause/effect

Item 3: C — description

Item 4: D — problem/solution

Item 5: A — author's point of view

Item 6: B — to inform readers about how physical flaws can actually help humans and animals survive

Item 7: C — whether the author expresses judgment or value

Item 8: B — Having certain items on hand will make your camping trip a success.

Item 9: D — hope and improvement

Item 10: B — willing to consider a new idea or custom