Purpose & Function - SAT Reading & Writing
Card 0 of 26
Solar panels convert sunlight efficiently. Installation costs have decreased. Despite these advantages, adoption rates remain lower than expected.
What is the function of "Despite these advantages"?
Solar panels convert sunlight efficiently. Installation costs have decreased. Despite these advantages, adoption rates remain lower than expected.
What is the function of "Despite these advantages"?
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Introduces an unexpected limitation or obstacle that exists even with the positive factors
Introduces an unexpected limitation or obstacle that exists even with the positive factors
The policy eliminated the problem. Short of complete eradication, officials consider the initiative successful.
What does "Short of complete eradication" indicate?
The policy eliminated the problem. Short of complete eradication, officials consider the initiative successful.
What does "Short of complete eradication" indicate?
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Lowers the standard for success—qualifies what "eliminated" means in practice
Lowers the standard for success—qualifies what "eliminated" means in practice
The novel explores themes of identity. The protagonist struggles with cultural expectations. Through these conflicts, the author examines broader questions about individual autonomy.
What does "Through these conflicts" indicate?
The novel explores themes of identity. The protagonist struggles with cultural expectations. Through these conflicts, the author examines broader questions about individual autonomy.
What does "Through these conflicts" indicate?
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Shows how a specific element (plot conflicts) serves a larger purpose (thematic exploration)
Shows how a specific element (plot conflicts) serves a larger purpose (thematic exploration)
The prediction came true. Within acceptable margins of error, the model accurately forecasted outcomes.
What does "Within acceptable margins of error" indicate?
The prediction came true. Within acceptable margins of error, the model accurately forecasted outcomes.
What does "Within acceptable margins of error" indicate?
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Qualifies "accurately" by acknowledging the prediction wasn't perfect but was close enough
Qualifies "accurately" by acknowledging the prediction wasn't perfect but was close enough
What is an author's main point?
What is an author's main point?
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The central claim/message that applies to the whole passage.
The central claim/message that applies to the whole passage.
What is the difference between topic and main idea?
What is the difference between topic and main idea?
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Topic = what the passage is about. Main idea = what the author is saying/arguing about that topic. (Topic: solar energy. Main idea: solar energy costs have decreased, making it more viable)
Topic = what the passage is about. Main idea = what the author is saying/arguing about that topic. (Topic: solar energy. Main idea: solar energy costs have decreased, making it more viable)
What's the typical structure of an argument passage?
What's the typical structure of an argument passage?
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- Claim/thesis (main argument)
- Evidence/reasoning (support)
- Counterargument (opposing view, often introduced with "however")
- Conclusion/restatement (final position)
- Claim/thesis (main argument)
- Evidence/reasoning (support)
- Counterargument (opposing view, often introduced with "however")
- Conclusion/restatement (final position)
What is refutation in an argument?
What is refutation in an argument?
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Directly disproving an opposing view with evidence or reasoning. Different from concession (acknowledging valid points)—refutation shows the opposing view is wrong.
Directly disproving an opposing view with evidence or reasoning. Different from concession (acknowledging valid points)—refutation shows the opposing view is wrong.
What does it mean to establish context in writing?
What does it mean to establish context in writing?
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Providing background information at the beginning to help readers understand the situation, problem, or significance. Often appears in introductions before stating the main claim.
Providing background information at the beginning to help readers understand the situation, problem, or significance. Often appears in introductions before stating the main claim.
What transition words signal cause and effect relationships?
What transition words signal cause and effect relationships?
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Introducing cause: because, since, due to. Introducing effect/result: therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, in turn, so. ("X happened; therefore, Y resulted")
Introducing cause: because, since, due to. Introducing effect/result: therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, in turn, so. ("X happened; therefore, Y resulted")
What is an appeal to authority in an argument?
What is an appeal to authority in an argument?
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Citing experts or credible sources to strengthen a claim. Relies on the authority's expertise to make the argument more convincing.
Citing experts or credible sources to strengthen a claim. Relies on the authority's expertise to make the argument more convincing.
What is the function of a concluding paragraph?
What is the function of a concluding paragraph?
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Provides closure by restating the main point, summarizing supporting evidence, and/or explaining why it matters (significance, implications, call to action).
Provides closure by restating the main point, summarizing supporting evidence, and/or explaining why it matters (significance, implications, call to action).
Common signals of compare/contrast structure?
Common signals of compare/contrast structure?
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For showing differences: however, whereas, in contrast, on the other hand, while, but, yet. For showing similarities: similarly, likewise, in the same way, equally, both.
For showing differences: however, whereas, in contrast, on the other hand, while, but, yet. For showing similarities: similarly, likewise, in the same way, equally, both.
What is the function of a hook/introductory paragraph?
What is the function of a hook/introductory paragraph?
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Grabs reader attention, establishes the topic, and provides context. The specific thesis or main argument typically follows after the hook.
Grabs reader attention, establishes the topic, and provides context. The specific thesis or main argument typically follows after the hook.
What is the difference between description and analysis?
What is the difference between description and analysis?
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Description = what something is ("The painting uses dark colors"). Analysis = what it means or why it matters ("The dark colors convey feelings of isolation and despair").
Description = what something is ("The painting uses dark colors"). Analysis = what it means or why it matters ("The dark colors convey feelings of isolation and despair").
What is the difference between a claim of fact and a claim of value?
What is the difference between a claim of fact and a claim of value?
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Fact = verifiable as true/false ("The study included 500 participants"). Value = expresses judgment about quality/worth ("This large sample size makes the study highly credible").
Fact = verifiable as true/false ("The study included 500 participants"). Value = expresses judgment about quality/worth ("This large sample size makes the study highly credible").
What is the difference between describing and explaining?
What is the difference between describing and explaining?
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Describe = tell what something is ("Photosynthesis converts sunlight to energy"). Explain = tell how/why it happens ("Photosynthesis works because chlorophyll absorbs light, triggering chemical reactions").
Describe = tell what something is ("Photosynthesis converts sunlight to energy"). Explain = tell how/why it happens ("Photosynthesis works because chlorophyll absorbs light, triggering chemical reactions").
The study revealed that temperature changes significantly affected flight timing. Additionally, wind patterns played a crucial role in determining migration routes.
What is the function of "Additionally"?
The study revealed that temperature changes significantly affected flight timing. Additionally, wind patterns played a crucial role in determining migration routes.
What is the function of "Additionally"?
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Adds another important factor to the explanation (signals multiple causes are being presented)
Adds another important factor to the explanation (signals multiple causes are being presented)
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health. It strengthens muscles and bones. Moreover, physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
What is the purpose of "Moreover"?
Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health. It strengthens muscles and bones. Moreover, physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
What is the purpose of "Moreover"?
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Adds another benefit or supporting point (accumulates evidence)
Adds another benefit or supporting point (accumulates evidence)
The proposal includes three components: funding, timeline, and stakeholder engagement. First, the budget must be approved.
What is the function of "First"?
The proposal includes three components: funding, timeline, and stakeholder engagement. First, the budget must be approved.
What is the function of "First"?
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Indicates sequence or order in a series
Indicates sequence or order in a series