Question 62·Medium·Text Structure and Purpose
Throughout much of the twentieth century, linguists assumed that the whistles exchanged in several mountainous villages were merely playful imitations of spoken words. Recently, however, anthropologists analyzing archival and new acoustic recordings determined that the whistles replicate complete syllabic patterns, enabling detailed conversations to carry across deep ravines. After mapping these patterns onto a standard phonetic chart, the researchers proposed that whistle-based speech may preserve features of an earlier spoken dialect that has since disappeared.
Which choice best describes the structure of the paragraph?
For SAT structure questions, first read the paragraph straight through, then quickly summarize in your own words what happens in the beginning, middle, and end (for example, “old view → new evidence → conclusion”). Look closely at transition words like "however," "recently," or "therefore," which signal shifts between ideas. After you have a simple outline of the paragraph’s flow, eliminate answer choices whose described patterns (such as comparison, chronology, problem–solution, or recommendation) clearly do not match that outline, and select the one whose sequence of actions best fits the roles of each sentence.
Hints
Focus on the first sentence
Ask yourself: is the first sentence reporting new research, or is it describing an older belief or assumption? How long was that belief held?
Use transition words in the middle sentence
Look at "Recently, however" at the start of the second sentence. What does that suggest about how this sentence relates to what came before?
Consider the purpose of the final sentence
Does the last sentence just give more data, or does it suggest a possible consequence or larger meaning of the researchers’ findings?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question asks for the structure of the paragraph, meaning how the ideas are organized from beginning to end. You should focus on what each sentence does (its role), not on small details or specific vocabulary.
Analyze the first sentence: what role does it play?
First sentence: "Throughout much of the twentieth century, linguists assumed that the whistles ... were merely playful imitations of spoken words."
This tells us:
- It describes what linguists assumed for a long time.
- Words like "assumed" and "merely" suggest a viewpoint that downplays or misunderstands the whistles.
- The time phrase "Throughout much of the twentieth century" shows this was a long-held belief, not a recent finding.
So the first sentence sets up an earlier, widely accepted idea that will likely be questioned.
Analyze the middle sentence: how does it relate to the first?
Middle sentence: "Recently, however, anthropologists ... determined that the whistles replicate complete syllabic patterns, enabling detailed conversations..."
Notice:
- "Recently, however" signals a contrast with the earlier assumption.
- Anthropologists used recordings and determined something more complex about the whistles.
- Their finding (whistles replicate complete syllabic patterns and allow detailed conversations) contradicts the idea that they are "merely playful imitations."
So this sentence presents new evidence that challenges the earlier belief.
Analyze the final sentence and match to the best description
Final sentence: "After mapping these patterns ... the researchers proposed that whistle-based speech may preserve features of an earlier spoken dialect that has since disappeared."
Here, the researchers propose a possibility that goes beyond just correcting the old assumption:
- They suggest that the whistles might preserve features of an older dialect.
- This is a broader implication or consequence of the new evidence.
Putting the whole structure together:
- A long-standing but mistaken assumption about whistles.
- New research evidence that overturns that assumption.
- A broader implication drawn from the new evidence.
The only choice that matches this pattern is: D) It recounts a long-held misconception, presents evidence that challenges that misconception, and then proposes a broader implication of the new evidence.