Function of a Word or Phrase
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PSAT Reading & Writing › Function of a Word or Phrase
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
In museum studies, curators increasingly question the neutrality of display labels. When an exhibit describes an artifact as “primitive,” it subtly positions modern viewers as more advanced than the makers. Such wording can shape interpretation as strongly as the object itself, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the culture on display. Defenders of traditional labels argue that older terms are sometimes retained for consistency across collections. Nevertheless, many institutions now revise language to reduce implied hierarchies and invite more contextual understanding.
It states the passage’s overall conclusion
It provides a specific illustrative example
It acknowledges a limitation of reforms
It introduces the topic’s main controversy
Explanation
The underlined sentence provides a specific illustrative example by showing how the word 'primitive' in labels implies superiority and shapes viewer interpretation. It follows the introduction of questioning label neutrality and illustrates the issue, which then connects to the strength of wording's influence, defenders' arguments, and revisions for equity. This logical flow uses the example to concretize the abstract critique before discussing responses. Choice B might tempt as it relates to controversy, but it incorrectly labels it as introducing the main controversy when that's done earlier; choice C misreads it as acknowledging limitations of reforms, which isn't the focus. In function questions, identify examples by noting when a sentence applies a general idea to a particular case.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
In microbiology, the term “biofilm” refers to communities of microbes attached to a surface. Within a biofilm, cells secrete a sticky matrix that slows antibiotic penetration and alters microbial metabolism. This structure helps explain why infections on medical implants can be difficult to eradicate. Still, biofilms vary widely across species and environments, so no single treatment works in all cases. Consequently, researchers test combinations of mechanical removal and targeted drugs to disrupt the matrix.
It provides a mechanistic explanation
It introduces a counterargument
It draws a final conclusion
It shifts to a new topic
Explanation
The underlined sentence provides a mechanistic explanation for biofilms' resilience by detailing the matrix's effects on antibiotics and metabolism. It follows the definition and precedes infection challenges, explaining how structure contributes to treatment difficulties. This mechanism underpins the need for varied treatments discussed later. Choice B might tempt if misread as opposition, but it elucidates the concept; choice C incorrectly concludes when it's mid-explanation. In function questions, focus on sentences that describe underlying processes to identify their explanatory role.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Environmental historians argue that ideas about “wilderness” have often been shaped by political power. In the United States, some early national parks were created by removing Indigenous communities who had long managed those landscapes. This history complicates the notion that parks simply preserve untouched nature. Park advocates respond that protected areas have prevented many forms of industrial exploitation. A fuller account therefore recognizes both conservation benefits and the social costs embedded in certain preservation policies.
It introduces the topic of wilderness broadly
It draws a concluding policy recommendation
It supplies historical evidence for a claim
It acknowledges a counterargument to criticism
Explanation
The underlined sentence supplies historical evidence for a claim by detailing the removal of Indigenous communities in creating U.S. national parks. It follows the argument about political shaping of 'wilderness' ideas and provides evidence, which then complicates preservation notions, notes advocates' responses, and calls for fuller accounts. This logical flow supports the critique with specifics. Choice C might tempt as it counters criticism, but it incorrectly labels it as acknowledgment when it's evidentiary; choice D misassigns it as a recommendation. In function questions, identify historical evidence by noting past events that back a broader argument.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Conservation biologists sometimes propose wildlife corridors to connect habitats fragmented by roads and development. But corridors can also funnel animals toward human-dominated areas, increasing vehicle collisions or conflict with livestock. For example, in regions where a corridor passes near farms, predators may follow the same route and prey on domesticated animals. On the other hand, when corridors are paired with fencing and carefully placed crossings, they can reduce roadkill and support gene flow. Effective design therefore depends on local land use and species behavior.
It introduces a potential drawback
It concludes with a recommendation
It provides an example of success
It defines the main proposal
Explanation
The underlined sentence introduces a potential drawback by pointing out how wildlife corridors might increase human-animal conflicts despite their benefits. It follows the proposal of corridors and uses 'but' to qualify it, setting up examples of issues and then contrasting with successful designs. This creates a balanced discussion leading to the importance of context-specific design. Choice B might tempt if confusing it with the later success example, but it highlights a problem, not a success. Choice C misidentifies it as defining the proposal, which is in the first sentence. In function analysis, watch for concessive transitions like 'but' that signal introductions of drawbacks or qualifications to maintain argumentative balance.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Some economists claim that remote work increases productivity by reducing commuting time and allowing employees to customize their work environments. Yet surveys of remote workers often rely on self-reported output, which can inflate perceived gains. To address this concern, a recent analysis compared objective performance metrics from a software firm before and after its remote-work transition. The firm’s bug-fix rate rose modestly, but only for experienced employees; newer hires showed no improvement. These findings suggest that remote work can boost productivity, though the effect depends on how performance is measured and on worker experience.
It summarizes the analysis’s findings.
It proposes a policy recommendation.
It acknowledges a limitation of evidence.
It provides an example of success.
Explanation
The underlined sentence acknowledges a limitation of evidence by pointing out the potential bias in self-reported surveys of remote workers. It follows the economists' claim about productivity gains and precedes the description of a recent analysis that uses objective metrics, thus qualifying the initial claim and motivating the need for a more rigorous study. This creates a logical flow where potential flaws are noted before introducing better evidence, leading to nuanced findings about experience levels. Choice C might tempt readers by seeming to summarize findings, but it actually critiques the evidence base rather than reporting results, which come later in the bug-fix rate details. In function questions, watch for scope: acknowledging a limitation qualifies a claim without contradicting it or summarizing the entire analysis. As a patient tutor, remember that identifying such concessions helps reveal the text's balanced approach to building an argument.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Historians once described the Industrial Revolution as a sudden break from premodern life, but newer scholarship emphasizes gradual change. In many English towns, household spinning and weaving expanded for decades before factories dominated production. This continuity suggests that industrialization built on existing skills and local trade networks rather than replacing them overnight. At the same time, factory labor did introduce novel forms of discipline, including time clocks and centralized supervision. The revised account thus balances long-term development with recognition of genuinely new workplace institutions.
It acknowledges an alternative viewpoint
It signals a shift to a new topic
It offers a specific piece of evidence
It states the passage’s overall conclusion
Explanation
The underlined sentence offers a specific piece of evidence by illustrating the gradual expansion of household production before factories. It builds on the initial contrast between old and new historical views of the Industrial Revolution, providing concrete support for the idea of continuity, which then leads into discussions of new factory disciplines and a balanced revised account. This flow emphasizes how the evidence refines the understanding of industrialization as evolutionary rather than abrupt. Choice D might tempt because the sentence contributes to the conclusion, but it incorrectly labels it as the overall conclusion when the passage ends with a broader synthesis. Choice C misassigns it as acknowledging an alternative, but it's actually supporting the main scholarly shift. In function questions, watch for scope: evidence supports claims without necessarily concluding or shifting topics entirely.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
In discussions of algorithmic fairness, some propose removing sensitive attributes like race from training data. But excluding these variables can still leave models biased because other features may act as proxies. This problem explains why fairness efforts often require auditing outcomes, not just inputs. Nevertheless, collecting sensitive data for audits can raise privacy concerns and legal constraints. As a result, researchers explore methods that protect individual information while still enabling bias detection.
It qualifies a proposed solution
It introduces the main topic
It draws a final conclusion
It provides supporting evidence
Explanation
The underlined sentence qualifies a proposed solution to algorithmic bias by noting how proxies can perpetuate issues despite attribute removal. It appears after suggesting data exclusion and before advocating audits, introducing nuance about indirect biases. This qualification explains the need for outcome-focused approaches amid privacy concerns. Choice B could mislead by labeling it evidence, but it limits the proposal's effectiveness; choice C misidentifies it as introductory. In function questions, differentiate qualifications that add caveats from evidence that supports without reservation.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Conservation biologists sometimes propose relocating threatened species to new habitats as climates shift. This strategy can backfire if the relocated species disrupts existing food webs or carries novel pathogens. A well-known amphibian relocation, for example, coincided with disease spread in nearby populations, though causation remains debated. Because of such risks, many scientists argue that assisted migration should be considered only after habitat protection and connectivity measures have been exhausted. The debate therefore centers not on whether intervention is possible, but on how to weigh urgency against ecological uncertainty.
It explains a potential risk of a strategy.
It introduces the topic of conservation.
It states a concluding recommendation.
It provides an example of success.
Explanation
The underlined sentence explains a potential risk of the relocation strategy by highlighting disruptions to food webs or pathogen spread. It follows the proposal of relocating species and precedes an example of amphibian issues, thus qualifying the initial idea and leading to arguments for prioritizing other measures. This creates a balanced flow where a strategy is introduced, its risks noted, and the debate framed around weighing urgency and uncertainty. Choice C might seem like an example of success, but the sentence warns of backfiring, with the actual example illustrating risks afterward. In function questions, watch for risk explanations that add caution without concluding the entire discussion. As a tutor, understanding these qualifiers helps see the text's careful navigation of complex topics like conservation.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
Biostatisticians warn that correlations in health data can be misleading when important variables are omitted. For example, a study might find that people who carry lighters have higher lung-cancer rates, even though the real driver is smoking. The point is not that data analysis is futile, but that causal claims require careful design and interpretation. Randomized trials can help, though they are not always ethical or feasible. Researchers therefore combine multiple approaches to approximate causal inference responsibly.
It acknowledges a limitation of randomized trials
It provides an example of confounding
It introduces the passage’s main recommendation
It concludes by summarizing the argument
Explanation
The underlined sentence provides an example of confounding by illustrating how lighter-carrying correlates with cancer due to the omitted smoking variable. It follows the warning about misleading correlations and gives a concrete case, which then emphasizes careful design, trials' role, and combined approaches. This logical flow demonstrates the issue before discussing solutions. Choice C might tempt as it limits trials, but it incorrectly assigns that role when the sentence exemplifies; choice B mislabels it as the main recommendation. In function questions, identify confounding examples by noting omitted variables that explain spurious links.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
In climate modeling, aerosols remain a major source of uncertainty because they can both cool and warm the atmosphere. Measurements show that sulfate particles tend to reflect sunlight, while black carbon absorbs it and heats surrounding air. This contrast helps explain why different regions experience different temperature effects depending on pollution sources. However, aerosol lifetimes are short, so their impacts can change quickly with policy or weather. As a result, improving aerosol observations is crucial for narrowing near-term climate projections.
It introduces a counterargument
It provides supporting evidence
It shifts to a new topic
It draws a final conclusion
Explanation
The underlined sentence provides supporting evidence for aerosols' uncertainty in climate modeling by contrasting the effects of different particle types. It follows the introduction of aerosols' dual roles and precedes regional explanations, using measurements to illustrate why aerosols complicate predictions. This evidence reinforces the need for better observations discussed later. Choice B might mislead by suggesting a counterargument, but it elaborates on the initial point; choice D incorrectly shifts it to a new topic when it deepens the existing one. In function questions, trace the evidence's role in supporting the paragraph's central uncertainty theme.