Question

what do you want (really, really want) out of your college education?
richard gunderman • 2015
what do you want out of your college education? in this informational text, richard gunderman discusses what a college education can provide students and how it can contribute to their overall happiness.
as you read, take notes on what makes college worthwhile.
the value of a college education has received a great deal of attention lately. there is little doubt that going to college offers a substantial economic payoff. on average, college graduates earn quite a bit more than those without a diploma, and their level of unemployment is only about half as high. us census studies suggest that a college degree nearly doubles lifetime earnings.
untitled by rawpixel is licensed under cc0.
assessment questions

1. which of the following describes the author’s purpose in the text?

a. to encourage students not to think about money when they’re choosing a degree or career to pursue
b. to stress the importance of viewing college as a way to develop jobs skills, as well as determine what is important to you
c. to discourage students from pursuing careers in business, as people are generally dissatisfied with their lives
d. to encourage students to pursue careers that help other people, as they are usually the most enjoyable and meaningful

Explanation:

To determine the author's purpose, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The text doesn't focus on discouraging thinking about money for degree/career choices. The economic payoff is mentioned but not to dissuade money - related thinking.
• Option B: The text discusses what college education provides (including job - related skills) and how it contributes to happiness (determining what's important). This aligns with the author's discussion of college's value in skill development and personal fulfillment.
• Option C: There's no mention of discouraging business careers or people being dissatisfied with lives in business.
• Option D: The text doesn't focus on encouraging careers that help others; it's about college's value in general (economic, personal happiness, etc.).

Answer:

B. to stress the importance of viewing college as a way to develop jobs skills, as well as determine what is important to you