Question 160·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
The following text is from an original short story.
Lina had reread the weather forecast twice: clear skies at last. All week she had taped a star map above her desk and set an alarm for 2 a.m., just in case her mother forgot she’d promised to wake her. She pictured the dark yard, the lawn chairs, the hiss of sprinklers down the block—then the streaks of light she’d never seen before. Tonight, she told herself, she would not miss the meteor shower.
Which choice best describes the overall purpose of the text?
For SAT purpose questions, first quickly summarize the passage in your own words, focusing on what the author spends the most time describing and what emotions or tone are present. Then scan the answer choices and cross out any that require information or attitudes not actually in the text (like added scientific facts, strong criticism, or persuasive arguments). Finally, choose the option that best matches both the main action of the passage and its tone, rather than getting distracted by single words or minor details.
Hints
Restate the passage in one sentence
Try to summarize what is happening in your own words. What is Lina doing, and what event is she focused on?
Consider the tone and feelings
Does the passage sound excited, angry, scientific, or argumentative? Which emotions do the details about maps, alarms, and mental pictures suggest?
Eliminate answers that don’t match the content
Look at each choice and ask: Does the passage actually give scientific explanations, complaints about the mother, or arguments about student sleep? Cross out any choices that don’t match what the text actually does.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what is happening in the passage
First, restate in your own words what you see Lina doing: she rereads the weather forecast, tapes a star map above her desk, sets an alarm, and imagines the scene in the yard and the meteor shower she hopes to see. This shows planning and strong focus on one upcoming event.
Notice Lina’s feelings and tone
Look at the details that reveal emotion: she checks the forecast twice, prepares a star map, and worries her mother might forget, so she sets a backup alarm. She also vividly pictures the dark yard, lawn chairs, sprinklers, and "streaks of light she’d never seen before." These details show she is excited and focused on the future event, not calm or indifferent.
Match the main focus to the type of purpose
Ask: Is the passage mainly (1) explaining science, (2) criticizing someone, (3) making an argument about health or school, or (4) showing a character’s thoughts and feelings before an event? The text gives almost no scientific info, no direct blame of the mother, and no discussion of school or health; instead it describes Lina’s preparations and thoughts as she looks ahead to the meteor shower.
Select the answer that matches this purpose
Because the passage centers on Lina’s preparations, thoughts, and feelings as she eagerly looks forward to the meteor shower, the best description of the overall purpose is A) To show Lina’s anticipation of watching the meteor shower.