Final answer:
The passage is intended to inform readers about the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness and preference of print books over e-books by presenting various studies and perspectives on reading comprehension and industry trends.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intended purpose of the section of the passage is to inform and explore the debate concerning the efficacy and preference for print books versus e-books. Through various studies and expert insights, the passage presents arguments and data, such as a study by Mangen, Walgermo, and Bronnick (2013) that found students performed slightly better in comprehension reading from print books, and a meta-analysis by Andrews (1992) indicating that people read more slowly from screens.
Meanwhile, it is acknowledged that newer research, like that by Noyes and Garland (2008), does not provide definitive conclusions on the matter. The passage also indicates the ongoing transformation in the publishing industry from print to digital, as well as the personal reasons people might have for reading print or electronic materials.