What is the most likely purpose of the essay from which the following passage was taken?
Having been raised on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, Lorie Ann Kline was having trouble adjusting to life
in the city and to Central High School. In a conference with her parents, the school guidance counselor
explained that Lorie Ann avoided talking to her fellow students and sat by herself in the lunchroom.
Perhaps most disturbing, her grades were not what one would expect given her high scholastic aptitude
scores. Mrs. Kline agreed that Lorie Ann was often shy around strangers. A solemn Mr. Kline explained
that his daughter had been severely bullied by two older children who had lived at the farm for a short time.
The guidance counselor nodded in understanding.
A. To argue for urban over rural life
B. To tell the life story of Lorie Ann Kline
C. To inform people about the work of guidance counselors
D. To point out the harm done by bullies
my answer is d.
I agree.
To determine the most likely purpose of the essay, we can examine the context and main ideas presented in the provided passage.
In this passage, the focus is on Lorie Ann Kline's struggle to adjust to life in the city and her difficulties at school. It mentions her avoidance of socializing, sitting alone in the lunchroom, and underperforming academically. Additionally, it reveals the reason for Lorie Ann's behavior, which is the severe bullying she experienced from two older children on her family's farm.
Based on this information, the most likely purpose of the essay is to point out the harm done by bullies (option D). The passage demonstrates how the bullying has had a negative impact on Lorie Ann's social interactions, academic performance, and overall well-being. By highlighting this issue, the essay aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of bullying.
The other options can be ruled out:
- Option A (to argue for urban over rural life): The passage does mention Lorie Ann's rural background, but it does not present any argument for or against urban or rural life.
- Option B (to tell the life story of Lorie Ann Kline): While the passage includes some details about Lorie Ann's background, it does not provide a comprehensive life story.
- Option C (to inform people about the work of guidance counselors): Although the passage briefly mentions a guidance counselor, it does not focus on informing readers about their work. The counselor's presence in the passage is primarily to understand Lorie Ann's situation and offer support.
Therefore, the most suitable answer is option D (To point out the harm done by bullies).