Question 121·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
In 2015, a small group of residents converted a vacant lot into a community garden. Over the next few years, volunteers expanded the project to neighboring blocks, adding composting bins, rain barrels, and a weekly produce table where harvested vegetables are shared. Local schools now visit for science lessons, and a nearby clinic partners with the garden to host cooking demonstrations that emphasize affordable, healthy meals. The garden’s organizers keep detailed planting calendars and share free seed packets each spring, hoping to inspire similar projects in other neighborhoods.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
For main purpose questions, first ignore the choices and summarize the passage in a simple one-sentence "what it’s mainly doing" statement. Then, scan the choices and eliminate any that (1) introduce goals or opinions not in the passage, (2) focus on a small detail rather than the whole text, or (3) describe a different structure (like a personal story or a comparison) than what you actually read. The correct choice should closely match both the content and the tone of your summary without adding new ideas.
Hints
Zoom out to the big picture
Before looking at the choices, ask yourself: If I had to explain this paragraph to a friend in one sentence, what would I say it’s about?
Check for argument vs description
Look for words that show the author is trying to convince someone of something (like "should" or "must") or, instead, calmly explaining what happened and what exists now.
Match the tone and point of view
Is the passage written as a personal story, a comparison of two things, or a neutral description of one project? Eliminate any choices that don’t match that tone and structure.
Beware of answers that focus on one detail
Some choices may mention words that appear in the passage but exaggerate their importance. Make sure the choice fits the whole text, not just one phrase like "composting" or "rain barrels."
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the question type
The question asks, "Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?" This is a main purpose (or "main idea") question. You need to capture what the whole passage is doing, not just one detail.
Summarize the passage in your own words
Briefly restate the passage:
- In 2015, residents turned a vacant lot into a community garden.
- Over time, volunteers expanded it, adding composting bins, rain barrels, and a weekly produce table.
- Local schools use it for science lessons, and a clinic uses it for healthy cooking demos.
- Organizers keep planting calendars and give out free seeds to encourage similar projects elsewhere.
Overall, the passage is giving an overview of how the project developed and what it now does for the community.
Notice the tone and structure
Ask: Is the passage arguing, comparing, or telling a personal story, or is it mainly describing?
- There are no strong opinion words like "should" or "must" aimed at persuading anyone.
- There is no direct comparison of two different systems or methods.
- There is no "I" or personal memory; it’s written in a neutral, third-person voice.
- The passage moves chronologically (2015, then "over the next few years," then "now"), showing growth and current uses.
This points to a descriptive purpose that covers both development over time and current impacts.
Test each answer choice against the passage
Now compare each option to your summary and the passage’s tone:
- Choice A talks about arguing for more funding and research, but the passage doesn’t make that argument.
- Choice B says the passage compares different composting and rainwater methods; the text only mentions them as features.
- Choice C claims it’s a personal memory with family, but the passage isn’t first-person or family-focused.
- Choice D matches the passage’s descriptive overview of the garden’s development and its positive effects.
Therefore, the best answer is D) To describe how a community garden grew and the benefits it provides.