ASVAB · Author's Purpose and Tone

Read the passage: 'Before you throw away those leftover vegetable scraps, consider giving them a second life. Carrot tops, celery leaves, and onion skins that typically end up in the trash can be simmered into a rich, flavorful vegetable broth. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces food waste and makes use of nutrients that would otherwise be lost.' What is the PRIMARY PURPOSE of this passage?

Correct answer

To persuade or inform the reader about a practical way to reduce food waste and save money by making broth from vegetable scraps

  1. A To criticize people who waste food
  2. B To persuade or inform the reader about a practical way to reduce food waste and save money by making broth from vegetable scraps
  3. C To provide a detailed recipe with exact measurements
  4. D To discuss the environmental impact of landfills

Why this is the answer

The PURPOSE of a passage is WHY the author wrote it — what effect or outcome they intended. Common purposes: INFORM (present facts or information to increase knowledge); PERSUADE (convince the reader to think or act a certain way); ENTERTAIN (engage and amuse); DESCRIBE (paint a picture of something). In this passage: TONE: practical, encouraging ('consider giving them a second life' — a gentle suggestion, not a command); STRUCTURE: presents a problem (food waste), offers a solution (broth from scraps), gives reasons why it's beneficial (saves money, reduces waste); LANGUAGE: positive and helpful ('rich, flavorful broth'); no harsh criticism; CONCLUSION: benefit-focused ('nutrients that would otherwise be lost'). The PURPOSE is primarily to INFORM and GENTLY PERSUADE the reader to adopt this practice. RULING OUT WRONG ANSWERS: Option A (criticize) — the tone is not critical or judgmental; it's encouraging; Option C (detailed recipe) — no specific measurements or full recipe is given; the passage is conceptual; Option D (environmental impact of landfills) — mentioned tangentially (food waste is reduced) but is NOT the primary focus. PURPOSE-TONE STRATEGY: (1) Ask: Is the author trying to teach me facts? (inform) or change my behavior/opinion? (persuade) or make me feel good? (entertain); (2) Look at the language — emotional? Neutral? Critical? Positive?; (3) Look at the structure — does it build an argument? Or present facts? Or tell a story?; (4) The primary purpose is the MOST IMPORTANT reason, not every secondary effect the passage may have.
Source: ASVAB PC, Purpose and Tone

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Author's Purpose and Tone and other topics.

Take the Paragraph Comprehension practice test →

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Author's Purpose and Tone

Read the passage and answer: We must take action now. Every day we delay, more wildlife habitats are destroyed, more species pushed toward extinction, more communities devastated by climate change. The time for half-measures and political debate has passed. We need bold policies, immediate funding, and citizens willing to demand change from their leaders. What is the author's primary purpose?

Author's Purpose and Tone

Read the passage and answer: The Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates as one tool to influence economic activity. When the economy slows, lower interest rates can encourage borrowing and spending. Conversely, when inflation rises, higher rates can cool demand and stabilize prices. The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee meets eight times a year to evaluate economic conditions and make policy decisions. What is the tone of this passage?

Author's Purpose and Tone

Read: 'Before storing power tools, remove batteries from cordless tools, wipe down metal surfaces with a light oil, coil cables without tight bends, and store in a dry location away from temperature extremes. These simple steps take five minutes and can extend tool life by years.' What is the PRIMARY PURPOSE of this passage?

Author's Purpose and Tone

Read: 'Despite public perception, sharks kill fewer than 10 people per year worldwide. Humans kill approximately 100 million sharks annually, primarily for their fins. The 'dangerous' shark is, statistically, far more endangered than threatening.' What is the author's TONE?