What is the purpose of a style guide?

• A. To dictate the content of literature
• B. To set standards for writing and design
• C. To demonstrate different literary genres
• D. To analyze historical texts

Answer: (B)

A style guide serves as a comprehensive reference that establishes standards for writing and design across various forms of content. Its primary purpose is to promote consistency in elements such as punctuation, formatting, usage, and terminology, which are crucial not only for clarity and coherence but also for maintaining a unified voice and tone throughout a document or publication. By following a style guide, writers and designers ensure that their work adheres to agreed-upon conventions, which can enhance readership and comprehension.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a style guide. While it may indirectly influence content or provide context for literary genres, those aspects are not its main focus. Style guides do not dictate literary content or serve primarily as tools for analyzing historical texts; instead, they address the mechanics of how content should be presented and formatted for audiences.