When analyzing reading passages—whether in literature, academic texts, or exams—students often face the question: “Which statement best describes the purpose of this excerpt?” This type of question tests reading comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to identify an author’s intent.
In this blog, we’ll explore what such a question means, how to answer it effectively, and why it’s important for both academic success and everyday reading.
What Does “Purpose of This Excerpt” Mean?
The purpose of an excerpt is the main reason the author included that section of text. It’s not just about what the passage says, but why it says it.
Common purposes include:
- To inform – providing facts, explanations, or instructions.
- To persuade – convincing the reader of a viewpoint.
- To entertain – engaging the reader through storytelling or humor.
- To describe – painting a vivid picture using descriptive details.
How to Identify the Purpose of an Excerpt
To determine which statement best describes the purpose of an excerpt, follow these steps:
- Read carefully – Look for keywords, tone, and context.
- Ask “why” – Why did the author include this passage?
- Check for evidence – Does the excerpt provide facts, opinions, or imagery?
- Match with options – In tests, compare answer choices and eliminate vague or unrelated ones.
Examples of Purpose in Excerpts
Example 1: Informative Excerpt
“The Earth orbits the sun once every 365 days, which defines the length of our year.”
- Purpose: To inform (statement describing the purpose: “This excerpt explains a scientific fact about Earth’s orbit.”)
Example 2: Persuasive Excerpt
“Every student should have access to free learning resources, because education is a basic human right.”
- Purpose: To persuade (statement describing the purpose: “This excerpt argues in favor of free educational resources.”)
Example 3: Descriptive Excerpt
“The golden sunset spilled across the horizon, casting a warm glow over the quiet village.”
- Purpose: To describe (statement describing the purpose: “This excerpt uses imagery to describe a scenic view.”)
Example 4: Entertaining Excerpt
“The cat leapt onto the table, knocking over the vase with the elegance of a ballerina gone wrong.”
- Purpose: To entertain (statement describing the purpose: “This excerpt amuses the reader with humor and exaggeration.”)
Why These Questions Matter
Understanding the purpose of an excerpt helps with:
- Academic success – These questions are common in exams like SAT, GRE, and school assessments.
- Critical reading skills – Improves comprehension and analysis.
- Effective communication – Helps writers and speakers understand how intent shapes meaning.
Final Thoughts
So, which statement best describes the purpose of this excerpt? The answer depends on whether the author aims to inform, persuade, entertain, or describe. By analyzing tone, content, and context, readers can confidently identify the correct purpose.