Did help with finding the authors purpose and main ideas in this article "A Generation Hobbled by the Soaring Cost of College by Andrew Matin and Andrew Lehren in the New yOrk times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/business/student-loans-weighing-down-a-generation-with-heavy-debt.html?pagewanted=all

The purpose of the article is summarized in the headline.

One of the main ideas is that students don't need to go to expensive colleges.

What other main ideas have you found?

The cost od an undergraduate education is rising higher than the salaries of borrowers and inflation and if things remain the same through 2016, the cost of an undergraduate education will have doubled in 15 years.

Also, students and parents need to have standardized and clear info about the cost of an education, the repayment options and the total cost to get a degree in order to make an informed decison..

I am still confused about the purpose..

What are some of the assimilation and marginality in the story Studs Terkel by Stephen Cruz

What are some of the assimilation and marginality in the story Studs Terkel by Stephen Cruz?

I don't get what this is asking?

To help analyze the author's purpose and main ideas in the article "A Generation Hobbled by the Soaring Cost of College" by Andrew Matin and Andrew Lehren in the New York Times, follow these steps:

1. Read the article: Start by thoroughly reading the entire article to get a general understanding of its content.

2. Identify the main idea: Determine the primary message or argument the author is trying to convey. The main idea is usually stated in the introduction or conclusion, but it may also be implied throughout the article. Look for recurring themes or statements that summarize the article's focus.

3. Analyze the author's purpose: Consider the purpose behind the writing. Authors usually have specific intentions when writing, such as informing, persuading, or entertaining. Determine which of these purposes the authors appear to have in mind.

4. Examine the tone and language: Observe the tone or attitude the authors use to express their ideas. Identify whether they are using a neutral tone, expressing strong emotions, or appealing to logic and reason. Additionally, note any key terminology or rhetorical devices that might reveal the authors' intentions.

5. Consider the supporting evidence: Look for examples, data, or research provided by the authors to support their main ideas. Evaluate the credibility and relevance of the evidence to gauge the persuasiveness of their arguments.

6. Reflect on the target audience: Consider who the article is intended for. Understanding the target audience can provide insights into the authors' purpose and the main ideas they are trying to communicate.

7. Summarize the main ideas: After analyzing the article, summarize the main ideas in a clear and concise manner. Identify the key points and arguments put forth by the authors.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify the author's purpose and main ideas in the article. Keep in mind that author analysis is subjective, so different readers might interpret the same article differently.