Item 1: An author's reason for writing is the definition for which of the following?
1. cause/effect
2. informational text
3. author's purpose
4. point of view
In the following section, match the excerpt from "Perfectly Imperfect" to its text structure. Remember, text structure is how the author organizes information for the reader.
Like rabbits, all organisms, including people, adapt to their environments. The process of evolution selects for the survival of organisms that thrive in their specific environments. But evolution isn't engineering.
1. cause/effect
2. compare/contrast
3. description
4. problem/solution
5. sequence
Item 3: In fact, Phelps' body is quite unusual. The best swimmers tend to have long torsos and short legs. Phelps is 6 feet 4 inches, but his torso is as long as what you would expect to see in a man who is 6 feet 8 inches tall.
cause/effect
compare/contrast
description
problem/solution
sequence
Item 4: Our knees are a compromise that allows us to be bipedal. More recent ancestors of humans lost the ability to make vitamin C, but we figured out a way to solve this problem with a change in diet.
cause/effect
compare/contrast
description
problem/solution
sequence
Reread the concluding paragraphs from "Perfectly Imperfect" then answer the question.
In biology, there is no such thing as one ideal body. In fact, variation in all living things, including us, is the rule. This variation is essential for our survival. Human variation has allowed us to live in wildly different environments—the tropics, deserts, and the Arctic—and to develop many different physical, intellectual, and emotional talents. Not only is there no ideal human body, but our species also thrive because we are different from one another, each of us particularly suited for our own way of living.
How might Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Simone Biles define perfection? Perhaps they might say that perfection, or close to it, occurs in peak athletic performance. Their physical traits certainly helped them excel at their sports. However, it was hard work, dedication, and training that allowed them to soar.
How do you define perfection? Maybe something about you seems different. Can you combine your unique physical, mental, and emotional skills and your attitude in a way that works toward your version of perfection?
Item 5: "There is no such thing as an ideal body, which is a good thing because flaws and variations have helped humans survive" is an example of which of the following?
*
2 points
author's point of view
author's purpose
author persuading the reader
author informing the reader
Item 6: What is the author's main purpose for writing "Perfectly Imperfect"?
*
2 points
to entertain readers with colorful descriptions of famous works of art by da Vinci
to inform readers about how physical flaws can actually help humans and animals survive
to persuade readers to see that physical traits are more important than athletic training
to persuade readers to be less concerned with the flaws they perceive in their own bodies
Item 7: How can you determine an author's point of view?
*
2 points
the author's reason for writing
the author's use of persuasive writing techniques
whether the author expresses judgment or value
whether the author writes in first person or third person
Item 8: Which statement shows an information purpose?
*
2 points
Let me tell you about the most bizarre camping trip I ever took.
Having certain items on hand will make your camping trip a success.
Camping is so awful that you might as well stay home.
The absolutely best place to go camping is Cape Disappointment State Park.
Item 9: Which pair of words suggests a positive point of view?
*
2 points
serious and solution
devastating and failure
achieve and objectionable
hope and improvement
Item 10: Being open-minded means that you are_____.
*
2 points
reading facts and details
willing to consider a new idea or custom
having your brain literally exposed
unwilling to consider a new idea or custom
Item 1: The author's reason for writing is the definition for author's purpose.
Item 3: The text structure of the excerpt is description.
Item 4: The text structure of the excerpt is problem/solution.
Item 5: "There is no such thing as an ideal body, which is a good thing because flaws and variations have helped humans survive" is an example of the author's point of view.
Item 6: The author's main purpose for writing "Perfectly Imperfect" is to inform readers about how physical flaws can actually help humans and animals survive.
Item 7: An author's point of view can be determined by whether the author expresses judgment or value.
Item 8: "Having certain items on hand will make your camping trip a success" shows an informational purpose.
Item 9: The pair of words that suggests a positive point of view is hope and improvement.
Item 10: Being open-minded means that you are willing to consider a new idea or custom.