Question

1. what is the authors main purpose in writing this article?

a. the authors main purpose is to create a factual representation of life at the mills.
b. the authors main purpose is to portray life at lowell mill as difficult but rewarding.
c. the authors main purpose is to ease the concerns of girls considering employment at the mills.
d. the authors main purpose is to dispute negative reports about the harshness of life in the mills.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: A "factual representation" implies pure reporting. But the question is about the main purpose of writing, which is more than just facts. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Portraying life as "difficult but rewarding" would require balancing hardships and positive aspects. However, if the text (not fully provided here, but typical of such questions) focuses on addressing concerns or countering negativity, this is less likely. Eliminate B.
• Option C: "Ease the concerns of girls considering employment" aligns with a persuasive or reassuring purpose, common in texts addressing potential workers’ worries. This fits if the article aims to comfort or inform those thinking of working at the mills.
• Option D: "Dispute negative reports" implies arguing against criticism. But "easing concerns" (C) is more about reassuring potential employees, while "disputing" is more confrontational. Without the full text, but based on common themes, C is more probable (e.g., addressing fears of young girls about mill work).

Answer:

C. The author's main purpose is to ease the concerns of girls considering employment at the mills.