Author's Purpose

Multiple Choice

Voting age is a complex issue, but there are clear reasons why the age should be lowered from eighteen in the United States. First, many people younger than eighteen are employed and pay taxes. This is what early Americans called "taxation without representation." Also, many laws impact citizens under eighteen, and that could be called "regulation without representation."

Some people argue that young people lack the maturity or knowledge to vote responsibly. However, many young people are informed about and active in politics. Additionally, adult voters are not required to have specific knowledge or experience.

A number of nations already allow sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds to vote. This policy justly recognizes the rights of younger people. The U.S. should not be left behind.

• to persuade readers that the voting age should be lowered in the U.S.

• to inform readers about the laws that impact younger U.S. citizens

Multiple Choice

Knowing how to read a city map is a valuable skill. First, figure out your location on the map. Check the street signs at the nearest intersection and use clues to help you find that intersection on the map. For example, if you are near a bridge or a park, look for those symbols on the map. The map's legend indicates what the symbols mean.

A map's compass rose reveals where north is. To establish direction, walk a block and revisit your map; compare where you were to where you are. In which direction did you travel? Then locate your destination on the map.

The map's scale indicates distance ratios; for example, an inch may be equal to five hundred feet. Now you know where you are, how to get where you are going, and how far you have to go!

• to explain to readers how to navigate a city with a map

• to describe to readers the features of different maps

Multiple Choice

We spot the long, daunting head as it emerges just above the dark river surface, only the dark eyes and nostrils showing. Then, the creature half-slides, half-lumbers onto the bank, its gray scales stacked, armor-like, along its body and mighty tail.

The only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators coexist is here in the Florida Everglades. This animal's sleek dark-gray skin, rather than tan or olive green, indicates that it is an alligator. In addition, it has a broad U-shaped nose, while most crocodile noses are V-shaped. It appears to be approximately eight feet long, typical for a female American alligator.

The mighty creature settles quietly into the spiky grass, stretching out its muscular body under the warmth of the afternoon sun.

• to describe an alligator moving from the water to the bank

• to describe the rivers and grasses in the Florida Everglades

Multiple Choice

Good study habits train your brain for success. Applying effective learning methods will not only improve your grades but, more importantly, increase your long-term knowledge.

Cramming at the last minute is ineffective. Instead, try to create a study routine. Schedule specific blocks of time to study every day. Next, find the best environment that helps you concentrate. Some students do better with the silence of a library, while others need the background noise or music of a public space.

Now that you have a time and a place, you need a strategy. Look at your tasks and make a list. Setting small, manageable goals for your study session will help you work efficiently. Do the most difficult assignments first, while your mind is fresh. Finally, do not be afraid to take limited breaks to restore your motivation.

• to explain some productive study techniques to readers

• to persuade readers to follow a specific study schedule

Multiple Choice

The Amazon River basin is home to several species of river dolphins, also called botos. In 2014, a group of scientists headed by biologist Tomas Hrbek published a study announcing the discovery of a new river dolphin species.

The study concluded that dolphins found in the Araguaia River in Brazil are distinct from their cousins elsewhere in the Amazon. The Araguaian botos share some characteristics with other Amazon dolphins, like a long, toothy beak and pink-gray skin. However, Araguaian botos appear to have a different number of teeth, unique skull features, and slightly different DNA.

Not everyone is convinced, though. Hrbek's team could examine only a few animals, and critics argue that more specimens need to be studied. If the study's findings are confirmed, however, the Araguaian boto would be the first new river dolphin species discovered in almost a hundred years!

• to persuade readers that there is not enough proof that Araguaian river dolphins are a separate species

• to explain the steps the scientists took to study river dolphins in the Amazon

• to inform readers about the possible discovery of a new river dolphin speicies in the Amazon

Multiple Choice

Many New Yorkers have never been to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. It's not surprising: people often overlook their local tourist spots. You may think you know everything about famous places where you live, but why not investigate what you really know—or don't know? Your city's official website might be the perfect place to start.

Visiting the significant places in your area may enlighten you beyond expectation. For example, you may know that your hometown is renowned for cheese making, mining, or for a particular building such as a historic theater. But what inspired the first person to open a cheese factory, mine for silver, or imagine that theater? If the site has tour guides, test their knowledge: they often have interesting, obscure details to impart. Afterward, you may see your hometown in a whole new way.

• to persuade readers to explore the significant places near their homes

• to inform readers about why people overlook neraby famous places

• to describe the experience of listening to informed tour guides