Question #N201

The author’s purpose in this passage is to show how the reader’s perception of language can change as they learn about the history of the language. The author begins by describing the many ways in which a common word, such as “pretty,” can be used differently in different contexts. Then, the author explains how the meaning of the word has changed over time. The author concludes by suggesting that the word “pretty” is a word that we need to be careful about, as it can mean many things depending on the context. What is the author’s main purpose?

The author uses the word “pretty” to illustrate the idea that
A. language can be used in many different ways.
B. the meaning of words can change over time.
C. words are often used in a way that is different from their original meaning.
D. the meaning of words can be difficult to understand.

Correct Answer is: B

The passage shows how the meaning of the word "pretty" has changed over time, first meaning something positive, but then meaning something negative. The author is trying to show that words can change their meaning over time. This is the author’s main purpose.