Question

we live in a microbial world, and there are many opportunities for food to become contaminated as it is produced and prepared. many food - borne microbes are present in healthy animals (usually in their intestines) raised for food. meat and poultry carcasses can become contaminated during slaughter by contact with small amounts of intestinal contents. similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if they are washed or irrigated with water that is contaminated with animal manure or human sewage.
what does the language used in this passage reveal about its purpose?
the language is humorous, implying that the purpose is to satirize the food industry.
the language is persuasive, implying that the purpose is to convince the reader to avoid contaminated water.
the language is technical, implying that the purpose is to instruct the reader in how to build a water purifier.
the language is informative, implying that the purpose is to educate the reader about the causes of food contamination.

Explanation:

The passage provides factual information about how food can become contaminated (e.g., meat/poultry during slaughter, fruits/vegetables via contaminated water). It is presenting information rather than using humor (no jokes/satire elements), persuasion (no "should" or "must" language to convince), or technical instruction (no steps on building a purifier).

Answer:

The language is informative, implying that the purpose is to educate the reader about the causes of food contamination.