Introduction
In today’s lesson, I’ll be discussing one of the most crucial aspects of the TOEFL Reading section – answering rhetorical purpose questions. These questions often require a deep understanding of the author’s intent and the overall structure of the passage. By employing the right strategies, you can tackle them with confidence. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Identify the Type of Rhetorical Purpose
Before attempting to answer a rhetorical purpose question, it’s essential to identify the type of purpose the author might have. It could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or describe. Understanding the purpose sets the foundation for further analysis.
2. Analyze the Passage’s Structure
The structure of a passage often provides clues about its purpose. For example, a passage with a problem-solution structure is likely to have a persuasive purpose. By noting the transitions, headings, and overall organization, you can gain insights into the author’s intent.
3. Pay Attention to Keywords
Keywords, such as ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘in contrast,’ can indicate shifts in the author’s argument. These shifts are often tied to the rhetorical purpose. By recognizing and understanding these keywords, you can better answer the questions.
4. Look for Repetition
Repetition of ideas or phrases can signify the author’s emphasis. It’s essential to identify these repetitions as they often relate to the rhetorical purpose. They can also help you determine the main ideas of the passage.
5. Consider the Tone
The author’s tone, whether it’s objective, subjective, critical, or neutral, can provide insights into the rhetorical purpose. For example, a critical tone might indicate a persuasive purpose, while an objective tone might suggest an informative purpose.
6. Use Contextual Clues
Sometimes, the answer to a rhetorical purpose question can be found in the context of the passage. By referring back to the relevant sentences or paragraphs, you can gather the necessary information to make an informed choice.
7. Eliminate Incorrect Options
In multiple-choice questions, eliminating obviously incorrect options can increase your chances of selecting the correct one. By applying the strategies we’ve discussed so far, you can often identify the options that don’t align with the rhetorical purpose.
8. Practice with Sample Questions
The more you practice answering rhetorical purpose questions, the better you’ll become at them. There are numerous resources available, including official TOEFL practice materials, that provide sample questions. Make it a regular part of your study routine.
9. Time Management
In the TOEFL Reading section, time is of the essence. It’s crucial to allocate your time wisely, ensuring that you have enough time to answer each question. By practicing time management during your preparation, you’ll be better equipped for the actual test.
10. Review and Learn from Mistakes
After completing practice questions, take the time to review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understand why a particular option is incorrect and why the correct one is the best choice. Learning from your mistakes is an integral part of the learning process.
