Craft and StructureHardMain purpose of a text
Craft and Structure practice question
The word 'salary' descends from the Latin salarium, which is connected to sal, meaning salt. Roman soldiers were sometimes paid an allowance with which to buy salt, then a valuable preservative. The connection survives in English in the phrase 'worth one's salt'.
What is the main purpose of the text?
- A. To explain the origin of a word and note a lasting trace of that origin in the language.Correct
- B. To argue that salt deserves to be valued more highly today.
- C. To describe in detail how Roman soldiers were paid.
- D. To compare the grammar of Latin with that of English.
Answer: A. To explain the origin of a word and note a lasting trace of that origin in the language.
The text traces 'salary' back through Latin to salt, gives the historical reason, and ends with a modern phrase that still carries the link. Its purpose is to explain where the word comes from.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. To argue that salt deserves to be valued more highly today.
- The text reports that salt WAS valuable; it makes no claim about how it should be valued now.
- C. To describe in detail how Roman soldiers were paid.
- Roman pay is mentioned only as the step that connects 'salary' to salt, not described in detail.
- D. To compare the grammar of Latin with that of English.
- No grammar is discussed — only the history of one word.
More Craft and Structure questions
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Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text? - Hard
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? - Hard
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word? - Hard
What is the main purpose of the text?
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