Question

read the passage.

ufos, or unidentified flying objects, are often the topic of science fiction novels. in reality, ufos are often aircraft, kites, clouds, or meteors that observers are unable to recognize at first glance. a ufo near roswell, new mexico, made headlines in the mid-twentieth century and remains a pop-culture phenomenon. in more modern history, satellite launches have caused rocket debris that is often observed and reported as a ufo.

what is the purpose of this passage?

o to inform readers about the term \ufo\
o to entertain readers with a story of a ufo landing
o to inform readers about government record-keeping
o to persuade readers to report ufos to authorities

Explanation:

Analyze the passage content

Using the Author's Purpose knowledge point
The passage defines "UFOs" as unidentified flying objects and explains that they are often common objects like aircraft, kites, clouds, meteors, or rocket debris that observers fail to recognize. It provides factual context about what UFOs actually are in reality, rather than telling a narrative story or persuading the reader to take action.

Evaluate the first option

Using the Author's Purpose knowledge point
The first option states "to inform readers about the term 'UFO'". The passage directly explains what the acronym stands for ("unidentified flying objects") and details what these objects typically are in reality (aircraft, weather phenomena, space debris). This aligns perfectly with the factual, explanatory nature of the text.

Evaluate the second option

Using the Author's Purpose knowledge point
The second option states "to entertain readers with a story of a UFO landing". Although the text mentions Roswell, New Mexico, it does not tell a narrative story about a landing. It only references Roswell as a historical "pop-culture phenomenon" to explain why the term is famous, making this option incorrect.

Evaluate the remaining options

Using the Author's Purpose knowledge point
The third option mentions "government record-keeping," which is never discussed in the text. The fourth option suggests persuading readers to report UFOs, but the text merely mentions that debris is "observed and reported," without encouraging readers to do so. Thus, both are incorrect.

Answer:

• (A) to inform readers about the term "UFO" (Correct answer)
• (B) to entertain readers with a story of a UFO landing
• (C) to inform readers about government record-keeping
• (D) to persuade readers to report UFOs to authorities