Text Structure and Purpose Test- 1 - SAT MCQ

Let's start by paraphrasing the poem. By putting the text into our own words, we should start to see the shape and structure behind it.

The first four lines follow a consistent pattern, which shows us that they're linked. However, those lines don't really form a complete thought. Instead, they use the transition phrase "no matter" to introduce some sort of contrast with whatever idea will follow in the next part of the poem.

Together the first four lines say something like

Despite the fact that we can control and shape the land...

So what's the follow up? Let's look at the next four lines. They work to emphasize the size and power of the ocean. Taken together, they last four lines say something like

We can't control the sea.

Put these parts together, and we have the following summary:

Despite the fact that we can control and shape the land, we can't control the sea.

This is the story the poem is trying to tell. It's the shape and structure of the text behind the flowery language.

Let's look at the choices and see which one matches the structure we've identified:

Choice A says the speaker is focused on whether an approach to nature is "admirable", but the poem doesn't focus on good or bad. Instead, it focuses on possible or impossible. We can eliminate this choice.

Choice C says the speaker argues against interfering with nature, but the poem doesn't say that it's bad to interfere with nature. Also, notice that the second half of the poem doesn't "[give] evidence supporting" interference with nature; the second half of the poem argues that interfering with the sea is impossible. We can eliminate this choice.

Choice D is tempting. The first half of the poem does indeed "[present] an account of efforts to dominate nature". However, the second half of the poem doesn't say those efforts are "temporary". Instead, it argues that in some cases it's simply impossible to dominate nature. We can eliminate this choice.

Only choice B accurate reflects both parts of the poem:

While some nature can be controlled, some nature can't.

Notice how this choice very closely resembles the summary we created. Choice B is the answer.

Choice A. This isn't the overall purpose. The text never mentions Algarín's motivations.

Choice B. This isn't the overall purpose. The text never discusses the cultural life of New York as a whole.

Choice C. This is too narrow. One sentence mentions that the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its scope to include art and music, but this is only one point in the broader history of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, which is the overall focus of the text.

Choice D. This is the best choice. The text presents a brief history of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, from how it got started in the '70s, to its expansion in the '80s, to its ongoing mission today.

Choice A. This is too narrow. It doesn't include the second half of the text, where the savant gets into a conversation with the man and then finds out that the man is Sir Humphry Davy.

Choice B. This is too strong and too narrow. Only at the very end is the savant "thrown aback" by the fact that the man was Sir Humphry Davy-he's not "embarrassed about his own behavior".

Choice C. This isn't the main purpose. The text never provides the history of how Sir Humphry Davy came to be famous. Nor does it provide any history for the American savant.

Choice D. This is the best answer. The text tells a story of a first impression that turned out to be wrong: a serious American savant was dismissive of a goofy-looking, wisecracking guest at a British party, and then was shocked to learn that the guest was actually a prominent British chemist and inventor.

Choice A. This is the best choice. The text starts with a general statement that introduces Shannon, then describes a specific contribution from one of his papers, then provides a quote that illustrates just how important this contribution was.

Choice B. This isn't the overall structure. Shannon's employment at Bell Labs is only mentioned once, very briefly: the text never goes into detail about his career there, and it never mentions any recognition he received there.

Choice C. This is too narrow. Overall, the text is about Shannon's importance in his field, not just this one paper of his.

Choice D. This isn't the overall structure. The text only mentions very briefly, in parentheses, that "binary digit" was shortened to "bit". It doesn't go into detail about this name change, and it doesn't discuss any "common usage" of the name at all.

Choice A. The underlined sentence doesn't do this. The phrase "welcoming arms" suggests that Shakti is comfortable, not uncomfortable.

Choice B. The underlined sentence doesn't do this. The phrase "welcoming arms" suggests that woods are familiar to Shakti, not that she's become lost.

Choice C. This is the best choice. The phrase "welcoming arms" suggests that Shakti feels a sense of belonging in the woods, as if the trees are hugging her.

Choice D. The underlined sentence doesn't do this. The text isn't describing actual long-term friendships; it's using figurative language to emphasize Shakti's familiarity with the woods.