Question

read the excerpt from common sense. \in the following pages i offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.\ what is the purpose of the words \simple,\ plain,\ and \common\?
○ to persuade readers of his point of view
○ to encourage only serious readers to continue
○ to demonstrate his impressive intellect
○ to appeal to as large an audience as possible

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Persuading readers of his view would involve more persuasive language or rhetoric, but “simple,” “plain,” and “common” imply accessibility, not direct persuasion. So this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: Encouraging only serious readers would use language that filters out casual readers, but these words are simple and inclusive, so this is wrong.
3. Analyze Option 3: Demonstrating impressive intellect would use complex or scholarly language, but these words are straightforward, so this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option 4: “Simple,” “plain,” and “common” make the content seem accessible and relatable to a wide range of people, which would appeal to as large an audience as possible. This fits.

Answer:

D. to appeal to as large an audience as possible