Text structure and purpose on the SAT
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.
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| 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
What are text structure questions on the SAT?
They ask about a text’s purpose, overall structure or the function of one sentence. Craft and Structure makes up about 28% of the Reading and Writing section, roughly 13 to 15 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.