Interview Three candidates showed up for an interview. Of all the candidates, only one was appropriated for the job. The first candidate arrived promptly and was dressed professionally. She spoke articulately and seemed a good fit for the organization. The next candidate was also on time, but his dress shirt was stained, his tie was crooked, and he seemed to struggle with the standard interview questions. His performance during the interview was not as impressive as the first candidate’s performance. The final candidate, dressed in a T-shirt and ripped jeans, arrived a full hour past the scheduled interview time. Because of her tardiness, we did not interview her . 3. Which of the following sentences from the passage is a fact? A. Because of her tardiness, we did not interview her. B. Of all the candidates, only one was appropriate for the job C. His performance during the interview was not as impressive as the first candidate D. She spoke articulately and seemed a good fit for the organization. 4. Which of the following is the writer’s purpose for writing this passage? C. To explain D. To analyze
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer:
3. A. Because of her tardiness, we did not interview her.
4. D. To analyze.
Explanation:
In evaluating the passage, it is crucial to differentiate between factual statements and subjective opinions. A fact is an objective detail that can be verified by observation, while an opinion is based on personal judgment and interpretation. Option A, “Because of her tardiness, we did not interview her,” clearly meets the criteria of a fact. It reports a specific event that happened, providing a direct cause-and-effect relationship that can be confirmed by evidence from the interview process.
In contrast, Option B, “Of all the candidates, only one was appropriate for the job,” although stated in the passage, is a subjective evaluation of the candidates’ overall fit. This judgment depends on criteria that may vary between evaluators. Similarly, Option C, “His performance during the interview was not as impressive as the first candidate’s performance,” is a comparative opinion rather than an objective fact. Option D, “She spoke articulately and seemed a good fit for the organization,” also reflects the writer’s personal judgment regarding communication and suitability, and thus, it is not purely factual.
Regarding the writer’s purpose, the passage is structured not only to describe the events of the interview but also to assess and evaluate the candidates’ behaviors, appearance, and performance. The detailed examination of factors such as punctuality, attire, and interview responses indicates that the writer’s intention is to analyze each candidate’s suitability for the job rather than merely explaining what happened. This explanation clearly differentiates objective facts and personal opinions while effectively highlighting the writer’s analytical intent.
Thus, the correct answers are: 3. A and 4. D.
