Question

Which of the following best states the author’s overall purpose in this text?

Answer 1

Answer:

The option which best states the author's overall purpose in this text is:

D. To inform the reader of a theory that attempts to explain why generations act the way they do.

Explanation:

I looked this question up and found out it concerns the text "What Past Generations Can Teach Us About Our Future," by former Newsweek correspondent Mike Kubic (born in 1927).

According to the article, Strauss & Howe developed a theory that explains and, in a way, even predicts how each generation will act. There are four "turnings" or stages which generations go through. According to Strauss & Howe's observations, these stages always happen in the same order: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis. The generation belonging to each turning will always present certain traits and behaviors concerning their sense of community, individualism, economic prosperity, respect for institutions, etc.

According to Kubic, this theory has been both praised and criticized, even though, so far, it has been able to successfully make predictions about the American society. However, it is important to note that Kubic does not praise or criticize it himself. All he does is describe and explain it. His purpose is to inform readers about the existence of the theory.