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ASVAB · Author's Purpose and Tone

Read the passage and answer: Switching to energy-efficient appliances is one of the simplest ways to lower your utility bills. You'll save money every month, reduce your environmental footprint, and often qualify for rebates. Why wait? Make the switch today. What is the author's primary purpose?

Correct answer

To persuade the reader to buy energy-efficient appliances

  1. A To entertain the reader with a story
  2. B To persuade the reader to buy energy-efficient appliances
  3. C To explain how appliances are manufactured
  4. D To compare two brands of appliances

Why this is the answer

Author's-purpose questions ask why the passage was written. The language here — listing benefits and urging 'Why wait? Make the switch today' — is designed to persuade the reader to act, specifically to switch to energy-efficient appliances. The persuasive call to action and emphasis on benefits reveal the intent. The passage does not tell a story (entertain), explain manufacturing, or compare brands. Recognizing persuasive cues — benefits, urgency, and a call to action — identifies the purpose as persuasion.
Source: ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension — Author's Purpose

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