Question 39·Hard·Text Structure and Purpose
Because different regions of the country use distinct combinations of energy sources, a nationwide tax on carbon would not affect each area equally, leading some analysts to predict widespread public resistance. However, a recent study comparing regional energy-use profiles with survey data on environmental attitudes found that opposition was highest not in coal-dependent states but in areas where electricity rates had risen sharply in the previous year, regardless of fuel mix.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined statement in the text as a whole?
For function questions, read a bit before and after the underlined text and pay close attention to signal words like "because" and "however." Identify whether the underlined portion provides a reason, makes a claim, introduces a prediction, or sets up a contrast, and then choose the option that captures its role in the passage’s overall logic (including any later support or challenge).
Hints
Look at the structure around the underlined part
Notice that the underlined part begins with "Because" and is followed by a comma and more of the sentence. Ask: what is this "Because" clause doing for the rest of the sentence?
Pay attention to the phrase after the comma
Right after the underlined portion, you see "leading some analysts to predict...". How does the underlined idea relate to that prediction—does it come before it as a reason, or after it as a result or summary?
Use the transition word in the second sentence
The next sentence starts with "However." Does the study’s finding agree with the analysts’ prediction or go against it? How does that relationship affect how you describe the role of the underlined statement?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the underlined statement literally says
Focus on the underlined clause: "Because different regions of the country use distinct combinations of energy sources, a nationwide tax on carbon would not affect each area equally".
This is a cause-and-effect statement:
- Cause: different regions use different mixes of energy sources.
- Effect: a carbon tax would affect regions unequally.
So the underlined part is pointing out a disparity among regions and explaining why the tax’s impact would differ by area.
See how the underlined statement fits into the first sentence
Now read the rest of the first sentence: ", leading some analysts to predict widespread public resistance."
This shows a clear relationship:
- The underlined idea (unequal impact) is the reason or rationale for
- The prediction that follows (widespread public resistance).
So, in the structure of the passage, the underlined section sets up the analysts’ forecast by explaining why they expect resistance.
Connect the first sentence to the second sentence
The next sentence begins with "However", a signal word that introduces a contrast:
"However, a recent study ... found that opposition was highest not in coal-dependent states but in areas where electricity rates had risen sharply ... regardless of fuel mix."
This study’s findings do not match what the analysts predicted based on the underlined statement. Instead of resistance being tied to fuel mix, opposition is highest where electricity prices recently rose.
So the study’s results challenge the earlier prediction that came from the underlined reasoning.
Match this role to the best answer choice
Putting it all together:
- The underlined statement points out differences between regions (in energy-source mixes and thus in tax impact).
- It provides the basis for analysts’ forecast of resistance.
- The study described later challenges that forecast by showing a different pattern of opposition.
Therefore, the best choice is: "It identifies a disparity among regions to provide the rationale for a forecast that is challenged by findings presented later in the passage."