What is the stated purpose of the excerpt about Sterne's writing?

• A. to describe slavery as just one of many different types of injustices in the world
• B. to explain that slavery is deeply rooted in society and impossible to fight
• C. to argue that sooner or later people will do the right thing and abolish slavery
• D. to show that slavery is a terrible practice that has brought misery to too many people

Answer: (D)

The main idea being tested is the author’s purpose: what Sterne’s writing is trying to make the reader think or feel. In this excerpt, Sterne uses compassionate, morally charged language to show the harm slavery causes to real people. The aim is to condemn the practice and evoke sympathy and outrage, not merely describe it as one of many injustices, not argue that it’s rooted and unstoppable, and not promise that people will inevitably do the right thing or abolish slavery soon. By focusing on the misery slavery brings to too many, the passage makes a clear moral claim against the institution, which is why the stated purpose is best captured by showing that slavery is a terrible practice that has brought misery to too many people.