Which choice best states the main purpose of the text? When people think of dinosaurs with feathers, they typically think of winged dinosaurs, such as the bat-like *Ambopteryx*. However, many dinosaurs that didn't have wings also had feathers on their bodies. For instance, research indicates that the wingless, large *Yutyrannus* likely had feathers.

To discuss the presence of feathers on certain types of dinosaurs

To point out the differences between dinosaur feathers and bird feathers

To explain why feathered dinosaurs went extinct

To argue that only one species of dinosaur had feathers

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text? Having trouble getting rid of weeds? One surprising solution may be to start eating them. Curly dock and broadleaf plantain are two edible plants that are usually considered weeds in North America. These and other plants like them are sometimes more flavorful than are some plants that people grow as food.

To suggest an unexpected solution to a problem.

To discuss the best way to garden.

To describe how good some plants taste.

To identify a new cooking trend.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole? When people think of dinosaurs with feathers, they typically think of winged dinosaurs, such as the four-winged *Microraptor*. However, many dinosaurs that didn't have wings also had feathers on their bodies. For instance, research indicates that the wingless, speedy *Ornithomimus* likely had feathers.

It provides a specific example of the dinosaurs described in the previous sentence.

It explains the scientific debate about the finding discussed in the previous sentence.

It points out several weaknesses in the theory presented in the previous sentence.

It identifies the researchers who made the discovery mentioned in the previous sentence.

Reading & Writing · Craft and Structure

Text Structure and Purpose

Identify how a passage is organized and why the author wrote it.

What the SAT Tests

Text Structure and Purpose questions ask about the overall function of a passage or a specific sentence within it. You need to recognize rhetorical moves — introducing, contrasting, supporting, qualifying — and name them precisely.

Key Tips for Text Structure and Purpose

State the author's job in one verb before looking at choices (e.g. 'contrasts').
A sentence's function is about what it does for the passage, not what it says.
Eliminate choices that describe content accurately but miss the rhetorical role.

Sample Text Structure and Purpose Questions

These are real practice questions pulled from our Digital SAT bank. Try each one before reading the highlighted correct answer.

Question 1 · Easy
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
When people think of dinosaurs with feathers, they typically think of winged dinosaurs, such as the bat-like $A mb o pt ery x$ . However, many dinosaurs that didn't have wings also had feathers on their bodies. For instance, research indicates that the wingless, large $Y u t yr ann u s$ likely had feathers.
- A. To discuss the presence of feathers on certain types of dinosaursCorrect
- B. To point out the differences between dinosaur feathers and bird feathers
- C. To explain why feathered dinosaurs went extinct
- D. To argue that only one species of dinosaur had feathers
Question 2 · Easy
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
Having trouble getting rid of weeds? One surprising solution may be to start eating them. Curly dock and broadleaf plantain are two edible plants that are usually considered weeds in North America. These and other plants like them are sometimes more flavorful than are some plants that people grow as food.
- A. To suggest an unexpected solution to a problem.Correct
- B. To discuss the best way to garden.
- C. To describe how good some plants taste.
- D. To identify a new cooking trend.
Question 3 · Easy
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
When people think of dinosaurs with feathers, they typically think of winged dinosaurs, such as the four-winged $M i cror a pt or$ . However, many dinosaurs that didn't have wings also had feathers on their bodies. For instance, research indicates that the wingless, speedy $O r ni t h o mim u s$ likely had feathers.
- A. It explains the scientific debate about the finding discussed in the previous sentence.
- B. It points out several weaknesses in the theory presented in the previous sentence.
- C. It identifies the researchers who made the discovery mentioned in the previous sentence.
- D. It provides a specific example of the dinosaurs described in the previous sentence.Correct

Practice Text Structure and Purpose Questions

Drill text structure and purpose questions in the Digital SAT Reading & Writing question bank, or take a full-length practice module to see how this skill appears under test conditions.

FAQs

What is Text Structure and Purpose on the Digital SAT?

How hard are text structure and purpose questions?

Text Structure and Purpose questions appear at every difficulty level on the Digital SAT Reading & Writing section. The hardest versions gate access to the top scaled scores in the hard Module 2.

How do I practice text structure and purpose?

Use the 1600.now question bank to filter for text structure and purpose questions, solve at least 20 in a row, and review every miss with the written explanation.