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Craft and StructureEasy–MediumPurpose of a passage describing a routine

Craft and Structure practice question

Every morning the keeper unlocks the aviary, counts the birds against the list on the door, and notes any that are slow to come to the feeding tray. A bird that hangs back two days running is caught and examined; most turn out to be fine, but the routine has caught three illnesses early this year.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

  1. A. To describe a daily routine and explain why it is worth keeping.Correct
  2. B. To argue that birds should not be kept in aviaries.
  3. C. To describe the symptoms of bird illnesses.
  4. D. To criticise the keeper for catching healthy birds.

Answer: A. To describe a daily routine and explain why it is worth keeping.

The routine, then its payoff: three illnesses caught early.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. To argue that birds should not be kept in aviaries.
No such argument.
C. To describe the symptoms of bird illnesses.
Symptoms are not described beyond hanging back.
D. To criticise the keeper for catching healthy birds.
The text presents the false alarms as acceptable.

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