SAT Reading and Writing: Text Structure and Purpose

Text structure refers to how an author arranges ideas, sentences, or paragraphs to achieve their effect or inform the reader. Purpose is the author’s intended effect—why a passage, phrase, or sentence exists (e.g., to inform, persuade, compare, illustrate, emphasize, or argue).

Part-to-whole questions ask how a small piece (sentence, phrase, paragraph) relates to the whole text. Does it introduce, give evidence, explain, summarize, contrast, transition, or conclude?

Formula: \(\text{Whole Meaning} \approx \sum (\text{Part Function})\)

• Is this detail an example or a main point?
• Does this paragraph challenge, expand, or summarize what comes before?
• How does each part move the argument or narrative forward?

• Preview passage structure: Look at opening/closing lines and transitions—map the argument or sequence before the first question.
• Watch for signal words: Words like “however,” “for example,” “in summary,” and “nevertheless” spotlight shifts or key purposes.
• Function NOT just content: Don’t confuse what a part says with what it’s doing rhetorically (example, contrast, evidence, or summary).
• Link part to purpose: Always ask, “Why did the author include this?”
• Diagram the passage: Bullet the main moves—Intro (context), Example (support), Contrast (challenge).

• 1. Identify function clues: Find transition words and pay attention to paragraph roles (introduction, body, conclusion).
• 2. Predict author’s intent: For each section/question, ask what effect the author wants to create.
• 3. Relate parts to the whole: Quickly map how the targeted part advances the passage’s main argument or theme.
• 4. Eliminate distractors: Rule out choices that describe content but miss function (e.g., “states a fact” vs. “supports main claim”).

Sample Passage Segment:

(1) Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year to reach breeding grounds in Mexico. (2) Scientists have discovered that the butterflies use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation. (3) However, some of the butterflies veer off course due to severe weather fluctuations.

What is the primary function of sentence 3 in the passage?

Sample Passage Segment:

A study describes major advances in water purification, starting with a description of bacteria removal, moving to filtration systems, and ending with new eco-friendly technologies.

Why does the author include the section on eco-friendly technologies?

Sample Passage Segment:

“Unlike earlier interpretations, these new findings suggest the architectural style was influenced by local climate rather than cultural tradition.”

What is the primary purpose of the sentence?

Sample Passage Segment:

“For example, the city implemented a green roofs policy that reduced summer temperatures downtown.”

What is the function of the phrase “For example” in this context?

Passage: “In conclusion, most experts agree that investing in early-childhood education provides long-term societal benefits.”

• Don’t mistake content for function—what a sentence does is not always what it says literally.
• Missed transitions—skipping signal words (“however,” “furthermore,” “in summary”) makes it harder to track structure.
• Don’t pick answers that exaggerate—if something is just “supporting,” don’t call it “proving.”
• Be careful with sequence—chronological vs. cause/effect vs. compare/contrast.
• Assume every part is purposeful—nothing is random in SAT passages.

• SAT structure and purpose questions test how and why authors organize texts—and the effects on reader understanding.
• Always seek both the “what” and the “why” of every sentence, phrase, and section.
• Learn the main relationship types: evidence, contrast, cause/effect, sequence, intro, summary, transition, and conclusion.
• Use transition words and patterns to map out the passage’s moves.
• Diagramming the passage’s structure (quick bullets!) as you read speeds up and improves accuracy.

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