Question 42·Hard·Text Structure and Purpose
In a recent meta-analysis of farmland rewilding projects across Europe, ecologists Judith Althaus and Omar Malik determined that converting cropland to semi-natural grassland increased local species richness by an average of 12 percent. The duo also calculated the mean annual carbon sequestration of such plots and concluded that, although positive, the climate benefits were modest compared with those yielded by afforestation. They therefore advocated rewilding chiefly as a biodiversity strategy rather than as a standalone climate-mitigation tool.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
For SAT questions asking about the function of a sentence, first briefly paraphrase what the sentence itself says, then look at the sentences just before and after it to see whether it’s adding data, drawing a conclusion, giving a reason, or contrasting ideas. Use transition words (like “therefore,” “however,” or “for example”) as clues to the role. Finally, eliminate answer choices that mention things not present in the passage—such as counterarguments, new experiments, or a change in attitude—and select the option that most accurately captures how the sentence connects to and modifies the main idea of the paragraph.
Hints
Locate the key transition word
Look closely at the first word of the underlined sentence. How does that word show the relationship between this sentence and the information that comes before it?
Ask: data or conclusion?
Decide whether the underlined sentence is presenting new experimental results, describing a problem, or giving a recommendation based on earlier results.
Check for missing elements in the wrong choices
For each answer choice, ask: does the passage actually mention a drawback that reverses their view, a follow-up investigation, or any counterarguments? Eliminate choices that mention things that never appear in the text.
Step-by-step Explanation
Summarize what the passage says before the underlined sentence
First, read the sentences leading up to the underlined part:
- The study found that converting cropland to semi-natural grassland increased species richness by 12 percent (a clear biodiversity benefit).
- The researchers then found that carbon sequestration (a climate benefit) was positive but modest compared with afforestation.
So, the passage sets up a contrast: big gain for biodiversity, only modest gain for climate.
Understand exactly what the underlined sentence adds
The underlined sentence says that because of those findings, the researchers advocate rewilding mainly as a biodiversity strategy, not as a standalone climate-mitigation tool.
The key points about its function:
- It uses "therefore," so it is a conclusion or recommendation drawn from the previous results.
- It does not reject rewilding; it refines how it should be used.
- It explains why rewilding is still supported even though its climate benefits are limited: its strength is biodiversity.
Match that function to the general type of answer needed
Now think about what kind of description fits this role in the paragraph:
- The sentence does not introduce a new study or new data; it is based on the meta-analysis already described.
- It does not present a drawback that cancels their support; they still endorse rewilding, just with a specific purpose.
- It does not respond to any stated counterargument; no opponents or counterclaims are mentioned.
- Instead, it clarifies the main reason they recommend continuing rewilding: to promote biodiversity given that climate benefits are relatively small.
So the best answer choice must describe the sentence as a recommendation and the main reasoning behind that recommendation.
Select the answer that matches this role most precisely
The only option that correctly captures this is the one stating that the sentence delineates the primary rationale the researchers offer for continuing to implement farmland rewilding despite its limited climate benefits. That matches the passage’s structure: earlier sentences show strong biodiversity gains and modest climate gains, and the underlined sentence turns that into a clear recommendation—use rewilding chiefly as a biodiversity strategy.