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Read the passage.

A hazard of communicating with friends electronically instead of talking with them in person or over the phone is that the nuances of their meaning may be lost. If they respond in a curt sentence or phrase, the receiver of the e-mail may misunderstand the writer’s meaning and become offended. When someone e-mails a question, and the recipient delays responding because he or she is unsure how to answer, the sender may think the other person doesn’t care. In face-to-face communication, there might be a response such as “I don’t know” or “Can I get back to you on that?” A concerned look or shrug of the shoulders will also let a friend know that the other person is listening. But not responding to an e-mail is similar to walking away from a person and saying nothing. They don’t know if they have been heard. Through digital media, misunderstandings can happen and feelings can get hurt.
What is the author's purpose for writing this passage?

A. To explain how meaning is sometimes lost when communicating only through e-mails

B. To inform people on the best way to write effective e-mails

C. To explain how people's feelings can get hurt by a misunderstood message

D. To persuade people to communicate either in person or by phone

User Bobby Jack
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2 Answers

2 votes

The answer is:

A. To explain how meaning is sometimes lost when communicating only through e-mails

User Nomeswaran
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1 vote

A. To explain how meaning is sometimes lost when communicating only through e-mails

User Daniel Golden
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