The following text is from a fictional novel, The Archivist’s Promise (2024). Leo works in a massive film archive. Leo believed that the entire visual history of the century was hidden in those metal canisters, and he established a rigid schedule to watch every reel in the collection. He was viewing the films chronologically, day by day, refusing to skip the tedious municipal records. He recalled that the first shelf dated back to 1901. He had been viewing reels for months and was still only in the late 1920s. Already he had watched silent comedies and factory inspections, jazz parades and grim newsreels. Despite his passion, he had to confess that the silent debates of city councils were a struggle to get through. But Leo was a historian at heart.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To depict Leo’s persistence in achieving a challenging objective
To explain why Leo prefers documentary films over modern entertainment
To illustrate Leo’s confusion regarding the organization of the archive
To describe a specific film that Leo found particularly moving
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text describes Leo’s ambitious plan to watch "every reel in the collection" and notes that despite the task being "hard going" (a struggle), he refused to skip the boring parts. This portrays his determination to meet a difficult goal.
Choice B is incorrect. While Leo watches documentaries, the text doesn’t say he prefers them over entertainment; it says he watches them because of his plan to see everything. Choice C is incorrect. Leo is reading the films in "chronological order," which suggests he understands the organization well. Choice D is incorrect. The text mentions various types of films (comedies, newsreels) but does not describe one specific film that he admires more than others.