Answer:
"In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense." The purpose of the words "simple," plain," and "common" is as follow:
d. to appeal to as large an audience as possible
Step-by-step explanation:
- The option a is not valid as the author does want to persuade because these words like simple, plain and common don't match with the tone.
- The option b is also valid as the author doesn't want to encourage only serious readers but vast majority of readers.
- The option c is also invalid as the author doesn't want to show off his intellectual qualities as the words like simple, plain and common showing other tone.
- The option d is correct as the author wants to attract more and more readers with the use of the words like simple facts, plain arguments and common sense so that everyone feel comfortable to read it.