Text structure and purpose on the LCAT
Purpose and structure questions ask what the text does, not what it says. Describe each sentence with a verb (introduces, explains, challenges, concludes), then choose the answer that matches. Watch for choices that are too strong ("argues", "proves", "criticizes") or that describe a different sentence.
Loading practice…
| Question | Ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Main purpose | Why did the author write this? |
| Overall structure | What does each sentence do, in order? |
| Function of underlined sentence | How does it relate to the sentences before and after? |
Example
Old belief → new evidence that challenges it → conclusion. The underlined sentence presents evidence that challenges an earlier belief.
Common mistakes
Sample questions with answers
1. A text says bats are not blind and that echolocation adds to their vision. Main purpose?
- To explain echolocation in detail
- To correct a common misunderstanding (correct)
- To argue bats are intelligent
- To describe bat species
The text sets up a belief and corrects it.
2. Belief → underlined new evidence → conclusion. Function of the underlined sentence?
- Restates the belief
- Presents evidence challenging the belief (correct)
- Gives the conclusion
- Describes a method
It sits between the belief and the conclusion.
3. Two competing views, then a study that may explain one of them. Structure?
- Proves one view correct
- Presents views, then a finding that may explain one (correct)
- Criticizes a study
- Lists reasons
Each part matches in order.
Frequently asked questions
How is purpose different from main idea?
Main idea is what the text says; purpose is why the author wrote it.
What makes a purpose answer wrong?
Being too strong, describing only a detail, or misdescribing what the text does.
Is text structure and purpose tested on the LCAT?
Yes. It falls under Craft and Structure, one of the content domains LUMS lists for the LCAT in its official sample questions.