Determining the author's purpose can help you decide whether you agree with the text.

• A. Yes
• B. Sometimes
• C. No
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Understanding why an author writes a piece helps you judge how to respond to it. When you know the purpose—whether to inform, persuade, entertain, or express a viewpoint—you can read more critically about whether the ideas are supported and whether the rhetoric fits your own beliefs. If the goal is to persuade, the strength of your agreement depends on the evidence, logic, and credibility of sources, and whether you find them convincing. If the goal is to inform, your agreement is less about agreeing with a stance and more about whether the information is accurate and fairly presented. Recognizing the purpose also helps you notice any bias or selective evidence that might shape your stance. So, determining the author’s purpose can indeed help you decide whether you agree with the text.