The scientific study of amphibians and reptiles is known as herpetology. The name comes from the Greek root herpeton which means “creeping animal.” Those who study this field of biology are known as herpetologists, though they prefer to call themselves “herpers.” Modern herpetologists specialize in a particular field of study, and it is rare to find one who focuses on general herpetology. They find work in a variety of careers, such as field research, nature guides, professors, veterinarians, museum curators, and so on. Few universities offer degrees in herpetology, so it is a highly competitive and close-knit field.
5
Select the correct answer.
This article was included in a course catalog guide for a university.

What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A.
to entertain
B.
to inform
C.
to persuade
D.
to describe

Read the following excerpt from "harrison bergeron" by kurt vonnegut: he tried to think a little about the ballerinas. they weren't really very good-no better than anybody else would have been, anyway. they were burdened with sashweights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. george was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn't be handicapped. but he didn't get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts. what message about the role of media is best supported in this excerpt? a. media are the reason george is able to watch ballet. b. media change people's values, making them more selfish. c. media tend to make audiences' worldviews the same. d. media can be used to distract audiences from the truth.