On the Reading section of Digital SAT, some questions will present a short text (usually from a novel or any other work of literature) for you to read. The question will then ask you to identify the purpose or overall structure of the text or an underlined part within the text.

What are text structure and purpose questions? Text structure and purpose questions go beyond the literal meaning of a sentence of a text. They look at whether you understand why something is being said and how it is being said.

Purpose Purpose is the why. Why did the author write that particular sentence withing the passage? What are they trying to accomplish? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.

Types of Purpose to explain to illustrate to criticize to argue to introduce to describe Why These questions? In any text, an author wants you to have a particular experience. It could be introducing a new concept, making you understand something, change your opinion, or to convince you of something. These questions look at your ability to identify what the author is intending.

Structure Structure is all about flow. How does the author move from one idea to the next?

Is the author presenting an idea and giving examples to explain it? Is the author presenting contrasting ideas? Is the author presenting rhetorical questions? Is the author simply presenting a set of advantages or disadvantages? These are some of the questions that will allow you to understand structure.

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How can we solve structure and purpose questions?

Read actively: Active reading involves engaging with the text while you read, which means paying close attention to the details and taking notes. When you read a passage, make sure to underline or highlight important details that stand out to you and take notes on what you think the passage is saying. Understand the context: Understanding the context of a passage can help you interpret its meaning. Before you start answering questions, make sure you understand the context in which the passage was written, such as the author's background, the historical context, and the genre of the writing.

Identify the main ideas: It's important to be able to identify the main ideas and themes in a passage. You can do this by looking for repeated words, ideas, and phrases throughout the text.

Look for specific details: When answering questions about a passage, make sure to look for specific details that support your answer. This might include direct quotes or references to certain events or ideas in the text. Practice: Practicing with similar passages and questions can help you improve your skills over time. You can find sample questions and passages online or in test prep books to practice with.

Structure and Purpose Sample Questions - Quiz

1 The following text is from "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole:

As Manfred stood in silence, wrapt up in his own meditations, he was roused by the sound of footsteps, which, advancing up the great staircase, seemed to proceed from the gallery to which his chamber joined. Start referenced content: He hastily caught up a lamp, and, leaving his own room, opened the door in the gallery softly, to avoid discovery. He hastily caught up a lamp, and, leaving his own room, opened the door in the gallery softly, to avoid discovery. The light which he held up showed him a tall figure, wrapped in a white mantle, whom he immediately concluded to be the same that he had seen in the morning gliding through the cloisters.

Which of the following best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

It reveals the identity of the figure that Manfred encounters. It introduces a new character who will be important later in the story. It creates a sense of suspense and anticipation for the reader. It provides descriptive details about the setting.

2 The following text is from "The History of Emily Montague" by Frances Brooke:

The evening was too fine to be passed within doors; and as the Governor had given them permission to walk in his garden, the company soon adjourned thither. Emily was too much accustomed to the beauties of nature, to be struck with novelty; but her companions, most of whom had been brought up in cities, were delighted with the verdure, the fragrance, and the melody, that surrounded them. Start referenced content: They viewed the beauteous face of nature with that pleasing enthusiasm which the novelty of every new scene, and the comparative contrast it forms with habitual objects, are so well calculated to inspire. They viewed the beauteous face of nature with that pleasing enthusiasm which the novelty of every new scene, and the comparative contrast it forms with habitual objects, are so well calculated to inspire. Mrs. Fermor alone, whose mind was occupied with nothing but the thought of her son's departure, remained insensible to the charms around her.

What is the primary purpose of the underlined sentence in this passage?

To highlight the contrast between Emily and her companions. To describe the natural setting in detail. To convey the pleasure that the characters derive from their surroundings. To emphasize Mrs. Fermor's emotional state. Attend a free session to understand these concepts

Structure and Purpose Answers and Explanations

Question 1 Answer Choice: A

The underlined sentence in this passage reveals that Manfred encounters a tall figure wrapped in a white mantle, who he believes to be the same person he saw earlier in the cloisters. Therefore, the correct answer is A) It reveals the identity of the figure that Manfred encounters. The sentence does not introduce a new character, create suspense, or provide descriptive details about the setting, making the other answer choices incorrect.

Question 2 Answer Choice: C

The underlined sentence in this passage conveys that the characters are experiencing a sense of pleasure and enthusiasm from viewing the beauty of nature, which is a central theme of the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is C) To convey the pleasure that the characters derive from their surroundings. The sentence does not primarily highlight a contrast between Emily and her companions, describe the natural setting, or emphasize Mrs. Fermor's emotional state, making the other answer choices incorrect.