Question 52·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
Wildlife biologist Dr. Ellen Roberts has spent decades studying urban foxes. She first tracks their nightly movements using GPS collars. Then, she analyzes the animals’ diets by collecting and examining scat samples. By combining these data, Roberts can see how city living changes what foxes eat and how far they roam.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
For “overall structure” questions, first quickly label each sentence or clause by its role: for example, “introduce person,” “give background,” “describe method,” “give example,” “contrast,” or “conclusion.” Then look for an answer choice that matches this pattern in order. Eliminate any choices that mention things that never happen in the passage—such as comparisons, arguments against beliefs, or predictions—and be careful not to be distracted by specific details about the topic; focus on what each part of the text is doing, not what it is about.
Hints
Focus on structure, not details
Ignore specific words like "GPS collars" and "scat samples" for a moment. Instead, ask: what is the main job of the first sentence, and what is the main job of the sentences that follow?
Analyze the role of the first sentence
Does the first sentence present an argument, describe an event, introduce a person, or compare things? Decide what it mainly does.
Analyze the role of the remaining sentences
Do the later sentences argue against a belief, tell a story, compare animals, or explain how something is studied? Summarize them in your own words in 5–7 words.
Eliminate mismatched answer patterns
Cross out any answer that talks about something the passage never does, such as comparing two animals, attacking a belief, or predicting the future.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the question type
The question asks for the overall structure of the text. That means you should not focus on tiny details, but instead ask: what is the main job of the first sentence, and what is the main job of the remaining sentences?
Summarize what each part of the passage does
Look at the first sentence: it names Wildlife biologist Dr. Ellen Roberts and says she has spent decades studying urban foxes. This is an introduction to who she is and what she studies.
Now look at the next sentences:
- "She first tracks their nightly movements using GPS collars." (describes one research method)
- "Then, she analyzes the animals’ diets by collecting and examining scat samples." (describes another method)
- "By combining these data, Roberts can see how city living changes what foxes eat and how far they roam." (explains what using these methods together allows her to learn)
Together, these sentences are explaining how she studies foxes—her methods and how she uses the data.
Match this structure to the answer choices
Now compare your summary to each answer choice:
- One choice should describe an introduction followed by an explanation of how the research is done.
- The other choices mention things like comparing animals, challenging beliefs, or predicting future behavior.
Ask: which option fits the pattern of “introduce the scientist + describe her research techniques”?
Select the best description of the text’s structure
The only option that accurately matches the passage is A) It introduces a researcher and then outlines the methods she uses to study her subject.