Purpose of passage

(PurpPass.)

Stems that ask us to describe the overall purpose of the passage. Similar to main point questions, but often call for more abstract language in the answer choices (e.g. "to criticize a popular theory").

Avg. 1.3 per section

“The primary purpose of the passage is to”

Main conclusion or main point
13%
26%
34%
19%
8%

Avg. difficulty: 2.8

Correct answer criteria

  • Captures why author wrote the passage; AND
  • Does not contain anything unsupported

Key tactics

  • Ask whether author's goal is to persuade or to inform
  • Keep in mind the different passage styles. Is the author critiquing a view, explaining a phenomenon, presenting a solution to a problem, drawing attention to an interesting artist?

Answer choice tips

  • Wrong answers often (1) describe something author does in the passage, but not author's motivation, or (2) describe purpose of one paragraph, but not overall passage

Looking for more?

7Sage offers a full course of video lessons that cover each question type in depth, targeted drills, and performance analytics.

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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