The following text is adapted from a play. Sarah is a manager speaking to her employee, Tom. SARAH: I am being honest, Tom. You upset the clients; they leave the meeting whenever you start speaking. TOM: Ridiculous! I know I am not very chatty; but clients don't mind silence. SARAH: Oh! Don't they? Silence indeed! What about your loud arguments? Truly, Tom, you cannot stay in this meeting.

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reading

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A

To show that Sarah wants Tom to exit the room

B

To describe the layout of the office where they are working

C

To explain why Tom is the company’s best employee

D

To prove that clients prefer loud arguments over silence

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. Sarah explicitly tells Tom, "You offend all my clients" and concludes with "you cannot stay in this meeting." Her purpose is to get him to leave.

Choice B is incorrect. There is no physical description of the office. Choice C is incorrect. Sarah is criticizing Tom, not praising him. Choice D is incorrect. Sarah mentions "loud arguments" sarcastically as a reason clients leave, not what they prefer.