Question 141·Hard·Text Structure and Purpose
The following text is adapted from a 1903 letter. The speaker, an expedition organizer, writes to a patron about publishing the group’s findings.
Before we attempt the grand volume the survey deserves, I propose to circulate a slender prospectus among those most inclined to object. It is not a confession of doubt in our measurements, but a precaution against the impatience of maps and printers, which do not easily forgive a misplaced line. If the prospectus invites correction, better that our proofs be mended in the margin now than in the warehouse later. A little delay will purchase clarity; a small expense will spare the greater waste.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
For main-purpose questions, summarize the author’s overall action and motivation in one sentence (what they propose/argue + why). Then choose the option that captures that full purpose, and eliminate answers that (a) describe only a supporting detail (like reassurance), (b) narrow the focus to one example (like printing issues), or (c) introduce a new goal (like building support) that the text doesn’t actually argue.
Hints
Focus on the initial plan
What does the speaker propose doing before attempting the “grand volume,” and who is the prospectus sent to?
Track the cause-and-effect reasoning
What bad outcome does the speaker want to avoid with printers/maps, and how does an early prospectus help avoid it?
Use the final sentence
How do “a little delay” and “a small expense” relate to the speaker’s overall goal?
Choose the option that matches the overall aim
Which option captures the speaker’s main goal (the why), not just a side note like reassurance or a general detail about printing?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the proposed action
The speaker proposes circulating a “slender prospectus” before attempting the “grand volume,” and specifically sends it to those “most inclined to object,” signaling an intention to invite criticism.
Identify the reason for that action
The speaker explains this is “not a confession of doubt” but a precaution because maps and printers “do not easily forgive a misplaced line.” The goal is to catch problems early.
Use the cost-and-error contrast to infer purpose
The speaker prefers to have proofs “mended in the margin now than in the warehouse later,” and concludes that “a little delay” and “a small expense” will prevent “greater waste.” This frames the purpose as preventing costly mistakes through early correction.
State the main purpose
Therefore, the main purpose is to defend the decision to circulate a preliminary prospectus to invite criticism and prevent costly mistakes.