A persuasive editorial argues for reducing plastic use. What is the author's likely purpose?

• A. To present a neutral overview
• B. To entertain
• C. To promote recycling technology
• D. To persuade readers to reduce plastic use

Answer: (D)

The purpose being tested is the author’s aim in writing an editorial. A persuasive editorial is designed to influence readers’ opinions and push them toward a course of action. Since this piece argues for reducing plastic use, its main goal is to convince you to change your behavior or support broader efforts to cut back on plastic, not just to present facts or entertain.

That helps explain why other options don’t fit as well. A neutral overview would present information without taking a side, which a persuasive piece intentionally avoids. Entertainment aims to amuse or engage for enjoyment, not to persuade to a specific behavior. Promoting recycling technology might be part of a broader argument, but the stated aim here is to persuade people to reduce plastic use, not solely to advocate a single solution.