The author’s purpose in writing this passage is to _________.

The author’s purpose in writing this passage is to inform the reader about this complex condition.
The passage provides a definition of ODD, lists symptoms, discusses causes, and offers advice for parents. The passage does not express frustration about ODD, persuade the reader to keep students with ODD out of public school, or prove that parents are the cause of ODD.
The passage is informative and objective. The author does not take a side or express a personal opinion. The purpose of the passage is to provide information about ODD so that readers can better understand the condition.