What is most likely the author's purpose in the following statement? As Abigail stepped off the plane, she immediately felt the
desert sun's oppressive heat. She thought, "Well, it's a bit warm today." A. To poke fun at a situation by comparing it to something else B. To illustrate a contradiction in a humorous way C. To exaggerate an idea to make a point D. To express a strong feeling by making it seem insignificant
D. To express a strong feeling by making it seem insignificant.
Explanation:
The author's most likely purpose is to express a strong feeling by making it seem insignificant. This rhetorical device is called "understatement." An understatement happens when an author describes something in a way that is less strong than what would normally be expected. In this case, although the sun is extremely strong, the speaker describes the day as "a bit warm." This device tries to draw attention to a strong feeling by making it seem insignificant.
