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Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

Read the following excerpt from a journalistic article about cultural traditions in Peru:

"Each year, communities in the Peruvian Andes gather to rebuild the Qeswachaka bridge, a hand-woven rope suspension bridge spanning the Apurímac River. Made entirely of ichu grass, this structure is a rare surviving monument of Incan engineering. While modern metal bridges offer easier crossings, the local population continues this demanding three-day labor of weaving and assembly. Some observers dismiss the annual rebuilding as a mere tourist spectacle, pointing to the government's cultural preservation funding. However, for the participants, the bridge is not an exhibit of the past, but an active, living thread of social cohesion. The collective effort reinforces ancient communal values of reciprocity and mutual aid, known as ayni. The physical bridge may be temporary, but the communal bonds it strengthens are designed to endure."

Which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose in the passage?

  1. A
    To critique the government's focus on funding tourist spectacles rather than infrastructure.
  2. To emphasize the deep-rooted cultural and social significance of the reconstruction for the local communities.Answer
  3. C
    To argue that traditional grass suspension bridges are structurally superior to modern steel bridges.
  4. D
    To outline the chronological steps required to harvest and weave ichu grass.

Answer

To emphasize the deep-rooted cultural and social significance of the reconstruction for the local communities.
The author describes the rebuilding of the Qeswachaka bridge not as a relic or tourist show, but as a living practice that strengthens community ties and reinforces traditional values. This shows the author's purpose is to highlight its social and cultural importance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the main conflict or discussion point in the text.
The text contrasts the view of 'some observers' (who see the rebuilding as a tourist spectacle) with the view of the 'participants' (who see it as a source of social cohesion).
Identifying the central tension helps locate where the author expresses their own perspective.
2
Determine the author's stance on this conflict.
The author uses the transition word 'However' to pivot and argue that the bridge is an 'active, living thread of social cohesion' that strengthens communal bonds.
Transition words signal a shift to the author's primary argument and tone.
3
Evaluate the options to find the one that matches the author's stance.
The option highlighting the cultural and social significance of the reconstruction aligns with the author's defense of the tradition, while the other options focus on minor details or counterarguments.
This confirms the correct choice based on authorial purpose and tone.

Key Concept

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone
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Topics

Analyzing Author Purpose, Perspective, and Tone

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