Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea)

(PurpCtx.)

Stems that ask us to describe the purpose of a word, phrase, or idea given the context in which it appears. Answers often use abstract, structural language.

Avg. 2.0 per section

“The author's discussion of nuclear fusion in the last paragraph serves primarily to”

Argument part
9%
23%
40%
18%
10%

Avg. difficulty: 3.0

Correct answer criteria

  • Captures why author wrote the word/phrase/sentence; AND
  • Does not contain anything unsupported

Key tactics

  • Rely on low-res summary of paragraph containing the word/phrase/sentence
  • Ask about relationship of the word/phrase/sentence to paragraph containing it

Answer choice tips

  • Wrong answers often describe purpose of a different word/phrase/sentence

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Logical reasoning question types

Argument part Evaluate Fill in the blank Flaw or descriptive weakening Inference Main conclusion or main point Method of reasoning or descriptive Most strongly supported Must be false Must be true Necessary assumption Parallel flawed method of reasoning Parallel method of reasoning Point at issue: agree Point at issue: disagree Principle PSA - find or complete the application PSA - find the rule Resolve reconcile or explain Strengthen Sufficient assumption Weaken

Reading comprehension question types

Analogy (RC) Application Author’s attitude Author’s perspective Describe approach Describe organization Describe relationship Implied Logical continuation Main point Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Other’s perspective Principle or generalization Purpose in context (of word, phrase, or idea) Purpose of paragraph Purpose of passage Stated Structure WSE (RC)

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