Craft and StructureEasyMain purpose of an explanation of a custom
Craft and Structure practice question
On a sailing ship the bell was struck every half hour of a four-hour watch, with one more strike each time, so that eight bells marked the watch's end. A sailor who heard the count knew the time without a clock.
What is the main purpose of the text?
- A. To explain how a ship's bell was used to mark time.Correct
- B. To argue that clocks are unnecessary at sea.
- C. To describe a sailor's daily duties.
- D. To compare naval timekeeping with civilian timekeeping.
Answer: A. To explain how a ship's bell was used to mark time.
The text describes the bell system and what it told sailors. It explains a practice.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. To argue that clocks are unnecessary at sea.
- The text says the bell worked without a clock; it doesn't argue against clocks.
- C. To describe a sailor's daily duties.
- Only timekeeping is described, not duties.
- D. To compare naval timekeeping with civilian timekeeping.
- No civilian system is mentioned.
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