Question 19·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
The following text is from an original short story.
Emma pushed open the heavy oak doors of the town library and breathed in the familiar scent of paper and polish. She loved every creak of the floorboards, every glint of sunlight that filtered through the high stained-glass windows. Today, however, she wasn’t here for a book; she was here for a secret. Two weeks earlier, a retired librarian had whispered to her about a forgotten alcove where readers could curl up in velvet chairs and watch the river through a small round window. Ever since, Emma had imagined that hidden corner a hundred times. She had promised herself that after her exams she would hunt it down, and at last the day had come.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the passage?
For main-purpose questions, first quickly paraphrase the passage in 1–2 simple sentences, then choose the answer that matches that overall summary, not a small detail. Eliminate any option that adds a new idea (like criticism, comparisons, or strong opinions) that the passage never clearly supports. Also check whether the passage’s tone (positive, negative, neutral) matches the tone implied by the choice; if they don’t match, cross that choice out. Focus on what the author spends the most time describing and emphasizing—that is almost always the key to the correct answer.
Hints
Distinguish main idea from details
Ask yourself: If I had to explain this whole passage in one sentence, what would I say? Focus on what happens and what is emphasized the most, not on small side notes.
Check for topics that never really appear
Look at each answer choice and ask, “Is this actually discussed or developed in the passage, or is it being added in?” If an idea like criticism, comparison, or dislike isn’t clearly present, that choice is likely wrong.
Pay attention to Emma’s goal
What specific goal does Emma have when she walks into the library, and how does the passage show her feelings and actions around that goal?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question asks for the main purpose of the passage. This means you should look for the overall reason the author included this scene, not just a minor detail or something mentioned once.
Summarize the passage in your own words
Emma goes to the town library, which she clearly loves. But on this day, she has a special goal: she wants to find a secret alcove a retired librarian told her about. She has been thinking about it for two weeks, imagining it many times, and she decided she would look for it after her exams—now that day has arrived.
Look for repeated ideas and tone
Notice what gets the most attention: Emma’s feelings about the library are positive, but the bulk of the passage describes how she learned about the hidden alcove, how she imagined it again and again, and how she made and kept a promise to herself to search for it. The tone is excited and focused on this mission, not on criticizing, comparing, or complaining.
Match that main idea to the best answer choice
The best answer must describe a purpose centered on Emma’s focused effort and commitment to finding the secret space in the library. Choice D, “To illustrate Emma’s determination to discover the hidden alcove,” matches this overall focus, while the other choices introduce ideas (criticism of libraries, exam dislike, comparison of library types) that are not supported by the passage as a whole.