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Question

Difficulty: EasyAuthor's Primary Purpose

Pre-flight inspection of an aircraft's pitot-static system is essential for flight safety. The pitot tube measures dynamic air pressure to determine airspeed, while static ports measure ambient atmospheric pressure to determine altitude and vertical speed. If these openings become blocked by ice, dirt, or insects, cockpit instruments will provide false readings, potentially leading to catastrophic navigational errors. Maintenance personnel and pilots must verify that all covers are removed and the orifices are unobstructed before every takeoff.

What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

  1. A
    to describe how static ports measure ambient atmospheric pressure
  2. B
    to critique modern aircraft instrument manufacturing standards
  3. to explain the importance of inspecting the pitot-static system before flightAnswer
  4. D
    to persuade pilots to avoid flying in areas with heavy insect activity

Answer

to explain the importance of inspecting the pitot-static system before flight
The correct answer accurately synthesizes the passage's primary intent. The author introduces the necessity of pre-flight checks, explains the hazards of instrument failure caused by blockages, and concludes with a clear call to inspect the openings before flight.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the central topic and concluding directive of the passage.
The text opens by stating that pre-flight inspection of the pitot-static system is essential for safety and concludes by emphasizing that personnel must verify the system is clear before takeoff.
The opening and closing sentences in straightforward expository paragraphs typically frame the author's primary communicative goal.
2
Distinguish the core message from supporting explanatory details.
Descriptions of how pitot tubes and static ports operate, along with examples of blockages like ice and insects, serve to justify why the inspection is mandatory.
Supporting details explain the mechanics of the problem, but the primary purpose encompasses the entire paragraph's intent.
3
Select the option that reflects the comprehensive purpose.
The option stating the goal is to explain the importance of inspecting the pitot-static system accurately captures the entire scope.
It captures both the subject (pitot-static inspection) and the rhetorical goal (explaining its vital importance).

Key Concept

Author's Primary Purpose
Estimated Time:45s
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Author's Primary Purpose

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