How to Answer TOEFL iBT® Rhetorical Purpose Questions

Rhetorical Purpose questions in the TOEFL Reading section test your ability to understand why an author includes specific details, examples, or arguments in a passage. These questions require you to go beyond simply identifying information—they challenge you to analyze the intent behind the text and determine how different elements contribute to the overall message.

Since many test-takers find these questions tricky, it’s essential to have a clear strategy for answering them effectively. Let’s explore the best approaches to tackling TOEFL Rhetorical Purpose questions, along with practical examples to help you improve your accuracy and confidence.

TOEFL Reading Rhetorical Purpose Practice Questions 

Here is the practice question for your general understanding of Rhetorical Purpose Questions: 

“Over the past few decades, urban farming has gained prominence as a solution to the growing concern over food security. Urban farming involves cultivating food within city environments, which reduces the need for transportation and the associated carbon emissions. Additionally, it provides fresh produce to urban areas where access to healthy food can be limited. This practice also helps foster community engagement and can transform vacant lots into productive spaces."  

Question: What is the primary purpose of the passage?

1. To argue that urban farming is the best solution for food security

2. To explain the benefits and significance of urban farming

3. To compare urban farming with traditional agriculture

4. To provide a history of urban farming practices. 

Answer: B - To explain the benefits and significance of urban farming. The passage focuses on the benefits and importance of urban farming, highlighting its positive impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

You might find this helpful : TOEFL iBT® Reading Score Calculation: Marking Scheme, Score Interpretation

Steps to Solve TOEFL Reading Rhetorical Purpose Questions 

Here are some steps that will help you solve TOEFL Reading iBT Rhetorical Purpose Questions: 

Step 1: Meticulously Read the Questions and Passages

Read the paragraph and questions before directly jumping to the answers. Understand the sentence structure and the tone of the overall passage. Pay close attention to words that indicate the author’s intent, such as "illustrates," "emphasizes," or "contrasts."

Step 2: Find Clues within the Passage

Every passage has multiple clues within it. Identify key phrases, transition words, or repeated ideas that reveal the author's reasoning. Look for words like "because," "therefore," or "for example," as they often indicate purpose.

Step 3: Pick Out a Main Point

Finding the purpose of the passage is vital to answering correctly. Analyze, understand, and extract the main points, focusing on why the author included certain details rather than just what they are stating.

Step 4: Terminate Incorrect or Unnecessary Options

Among all the available options, there are many incorrect or misleading choices. Eliminate answers that focus only on minor details or misinterpret the author’s intent. Avoid answers that add extra information not present in the passage.

Step 5: Keep Practicing

Lastly, keep practicing to increase your accuracy and confidence. Regularly expose yourself to academic texts and analyze why authors include specific details, helping you sharpen your ability to identify rhetorical purpose efficiently.

Tips to Answer TOEFL Reading Rhetorical Purpose Questions

Here are some effective tips to help you answer these questions with accuracy and confidence.

Tip 1: Identify the Question Type Clearly

Before looking at the passage, read the question carefully to understand what it is asking. Rhetorical Purpose questions often use phrases like:

• Why does the author mention…?
• What is the purpose of…?
• Why does the passage include the example of…?

These keywords indicate that the question is testing your ability to understand the function of a specific detail rather than just its meaning.

For example, if the passage states, "The Great Wall of China was not only built for defense but also served as a means of communication," and the question asks, "Why does the author mention communication?", the goal is to understand how this detail supports the overall point about the Great Wall’s multiple purposes.

Tip 2: Look for Signal Words and Context Clues

Authors often use signal words to indicate why they are including certain details. Pay attention to words like:

• For example, such as, specifically → Introduce an example to clarify a point.
• Because, due to, since → Explain reasons or causes.
• Therefore, thus, as a result → Indicate conclusions or effects.
• On the other hand, however, in contrast → Show opposing viewpoints.

For instance, if the passage states: "Unlike modern skyscrapers, ancient structures relied on locally available materials, such as limestone and adobe, to suit their environment." and the question asks "Why does the author mention limestone and adobe?", the signal word "such as" suggests that the author is providing examples to support the point about local materials.

Tip 3: Identify the Main Idea of the Passage

Before selecting an answer, determine the overall purpose of the passage. Ask yourself:

• Is the passage explaining a process?
• Is it comparing two ideas?
• Is the author making an argument?

If the passage is discussing the benefits of renewable energy, and the question asks, "Why does the author mention wind turbines?", the answer likely relates to supporting the argument that renewable energy is beneficial.

Tip 4: Eliminate Incorrect Answers Carefully

TOEFL often includes distractor answers that may seem correct but do not match the author's intent. Common incorrect answers include:

• Too specific: Focuses on minor details rather than the bigger purpose.
• Too broad: Extends beyond what is discussed in the passage.
• Factually correct but irrelevant: The statement is true but does not answer the question.

For example, if the passage discusses "the decline of handwritten letters due to digital communication," and a question asks, "Why does the author mention handwritten letters?", the correct answer should relate to showing the impact of technology on communication, rather than simply describing how letters were written in the past.

Tip 5: Rephrase the Question in Your Own Words

If the question seems confusing, try rewording it in simpler terms before looking at the answer choices. For example:

• Original Question: "Why does the author mention the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity?"
• Reworded Question: "What is the purpose of talking about biodiversity in this passage?"

This technique helps you focus on meaning rather than getting distracted by tricky wording.

Tip 6: Choose the Most General Answer That Matches the Passage

When multiple answers seem correct, pick the one that best fits the entire passage.
For instance, if the passage explains how volcanic eruptions influence climate change, and the question asks, "Why does the author mention the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora?", the best answer is to provide an example of a volcanic eruption that affected global climate, rather than just describing the event.

Tip 7: Practice with Different Passages

Since rhetorical purpose questions appear in various contexts (history, science, literature, etc.), practice reading different types of texts. Read academic articles and ask yourself:

• Why did the author include this example?
• What function does this paragraph serve?

This will improve your ability to recognize author intent quickly.

I hope this blog on How to Answer TOEFL Reading Rhetorical Purpose Questions helps you understand key strategies and improve your accuracy. Keep practicing to boost your score!

Additional Resources:

• Common TOEFL Reading Section Difficulties
• How to Answer TOEFL Reading Sentence Insertion Questions
• How to Improve TOEFL Reading Skills
• Time Management Tips for TOEFL Reading Section
• Is 25 a Good TOEFL iBT® Reading Score?