Question

read the following passage, which is modeled after an encyclopedia entry about tortillas.

a tortilla is a round flatbread that appears in most mexican dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and tostadas. tortillas are made with cornmeal or sometimes wheat flour. traditionally, the corn or wheat grains are ground on a stone. next, the meal from these grains is formed into small pieces of dough and patted into thin circles by hand. finally, the tortilla is baked on a griddle.

today, tortilla dough is usually mixed by machine, flattened into shape, and passed on a conveyor belt to cook over a flame. tortillas can be purchased at most major grocery stores.

which best describes the purpose of this passage?

• to inform audiences about the production and types of tortillas
• to persuade audiences that producing and purchasing tortillas is easy
• to entertain audiences with a delightful and enjoyable description of tortillas
• to argue that tortillas are the top choice among traditional foods

Explanation:

Analyze the text structure and content

The passage is modeled after an encyclopedia entry. It defines what a tortilla is, describes the traditional ingredients and step-by-step manual production process, and contrasts this with modern machine-based production and commercial availability.

Evaluate the author's primary objective

The tone is objective, factual, and explanatory. The primary goal is to provide factual information about how tortillas are made (production) and what they are made of (types/ingredients), rather than to persuade, entertain, or argue.

Assess the given options

• Option 1 aligns with the factual, informative nature of an encyclopedia entry focusing on production and types.
• Option 2 is incorrect because the passage does not try to convince the reader of how easy the process is.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the tone is neutral and educational, not designed for entertainment.
• Option 4 is incorrect because there is no argumentative stance or claim that tortillas are superior to other foods.

Answer:

• to inform audiences about the production and types of tortillas (Correct answer)
• to persuade audiences that producing and purchasing tortillas is easy
• to entertain audiences with a delightful and enjoyable description of tortillas
• to argue that tortillas are the top choice among traditional foods