Craft and StructureEasyMain purpose of an explanatory text
Craft and Structure practice question
A sourdough starter must be fed with flour and water every day. Skip one feeding and the yeast in it weakens; skip three and it may never recover. Bakers therefore treat a starter less like an ingredient than like a pet.
What is the main purpose of the text?
- A. To explain why bakers give a sourdough starter constant attention.Correct
- B. To argue that sourdough bread is too difficult for home bakers.
- C. To compare the nutritional needs of yeast and pets.
- D. To describe the steps for baking a loaf of sourdough bread.
Answer: A. To explain why bakers give a sourdough starter constant attention.
The text gives the daily-feeding requirement, the cost of skipping it, and 'therefore' the bakers' attitude. Its point is to explain that attention.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. To argue that sourdough bread is too difficult for home bakers.
- The text never says sourdough is too hard for anyone; it only describes what a starter needs.
- C. To compare the nutritional needs of yeast and pets.
- 'Like a pet' is a comparison of attitude, not a comparison of nutrition.
- D. To describe the steps for baking a loaf of sourdough bread.
- No baking steps are given — only the care of the starter.
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