Question

The author's main purpose in this selection was to: a) Give information about ancient Egyptian society and animal mummies. b) Report the news about some recent archaeological findings in Egypt. c) Tell an entertaining story about people who lived in ancient Egypt. d) Persuade the reader to help preserve the tombs of the ancient Egyptians.

Answer 1

The main purpose of the author is to provide information about ancient Egyptian society and animal mummies, focusing on their culture, religious beliefs, and practices like mummification, and the construction and significance of tombs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's main purpose in the selection provided is to give information about ancient Egyptian society and animal mummies. This is evident from the focus on detailed descriptions of the purpose of art and architecture in ancient Egypt, such as the construction of tombs and the practice of mummification due to their religious beliefs. These aspects highlight the cultural and religious contexts that shaped the material culture of ancient Egypt, including the creation of tombs as places for the pharaohs' bodies and the extensive preparations for the afterlife that were undertaken through the process of mummification.

The selection talks about how cultural artifacts like tomb paintings and papyrus scrolls have survived due to the dry climate, aiding modern understanding of ancient Egyptian society. The discussion on Egyptian scribes recording their ideas and the preservation of the body after death provides key insights into the civilization's beliefs and daily life. The emphasis on the production of agricultural surpluses, the taxation system, and the construction of monumental architecture like pyramids during the Old Kingdom also reflect crucial components of ancient Egyptian society.

Answer 2

The author's main purpose in this selection was to: b) Report the news about some recent archaeological findings in Egypt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's primary goal in this selection is to report recent archaeological findings in Egypt. The text likely focuses on presenting factual information, discoveries, and developments related to Egypt's archaeological landscape.

This is evident in the wording of option b, which emphasizes the objective nature of the content by using the term "report the news." Unlike options a, c, and d.

which suggest providing information about ancient Egyptian society, telling entertaining stories, or persuading the reader to take specific action, option b aligns with the likely intent of the author to deliver recent archaeological news.

In archaeological reporting, authors typically aim to present findings, excavations, and discoveries in a factual and informative manner. This may include details about newly unearthed artifacts, structures, or insights that contribute to a better understanding of the historical context.

By choosing option b, we acknowledge the author's primary motive of informing the reader about noteworthy archaeological developments in Egypt, emphasizing the factual nature of the content rather than entertaining, persuading, or providing general information about ancient Egyptian society.