What is a typical author’s purpose when a nonfiction text starts with surprising statistics before personal stories?

• A. To inform with evidence and persuade readers to care about the issue.
• B. To entertain with anecdotes
• C. To present a purely neutral account
• D. To challenge readers to doubt the issue

Answer: (A)

Starting with surprising statistics signals that the writer wants to establish a solid, data-driven view of the issue and push readers to care about it. Numbers grab attention, quantify the problem, and show its scale, which builds credibility and sets the stakes. Then weaving in personal stories connects those numbers to real people, making the issue feel real and emotionally resonant. This combination aims to inform readers with evidence and simultaneously persuade them to care and perhaps take action. It’s not primarily about entertaining with anecdotes, staying neutral, or prompting doubt; the structure signals a persuasive, evidence-based approach that seeks concern and engagement.