Question 65·Medium·Text Structure and Purpose
In a recent newsletter, library director Zoe Nguyen announced the launch of a "quiet technology zone." Nguyen explains that background-noise complaints have increased, and the new zone will feature noise-absorbing panels and device covers. She also cites a pilot trial last month, during which sound-level monitors registered a 40 percent reduction in average decibels. She concludes by encouraging patrons to share feedback so the library can refine the design before expanding it to other branches.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?
For main-purpose questions, first quickly summarize the passage in your own words in one short sentence, then look for patterns: is the author describing a problem and solution, comparing two ideas, narrating a story, or arguing a strong opinion? Eliminate choices that introduce elements you never saw (like extra proposals, stronger claims, or attacks on others) and favor the answer that matches both the overall structure (beginning, middle, end) and tone of the passage rather than focusing on one detail phrase.
Hints
Look at the first and last sentences
What does the director announce at the beginning, and how does she wrap up at the end? That often reveals the overall purpose of a short text.
Identify the problem, if any
Ask yourself: Is there a concern or issue mentioned in the middle of the passage? What is it, and how does the rest of the text respond to it?
Check for comparisons or arguments
Do you see two different ideas being weighed against each other, or a strong attempt to prove someone wrong? Or is the passage mainly explaining what the library is doing?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the central topic
Read the whole text and ask: What is it mainly about? Here, everything centers on a new "quiet technology zone" in the library, mentioned right at the start and discussed in every sentence after.
Notice the problem being described
Look for why this new zone is being introduced. The passage says that "background-noise complaints have increased," which clearly signals a problem the library is facing.
See what the director does in response
After stating the problem, the director describes the response: the new zone will have "noise-absorbing panels and device covers," mentions a pilot trial that reduced sound levels by 40%, and asks for feedback to "refine the design" and possibly expand it. That structure—problem, actions taken, and evaluation—defines the passage’s focus.
Match that structure to the best choice
Now compare that structure to the answer choices. The passage does not present two different proposals, does not criticize the complaints, and does not call for banning all technology; instead, it explains that there’s a noise problem and then outlines specific measures (the new zone, its features, trial results, and feedback) being used to address it. Therefore, the best answer is D) To summarize a problem and describe steps being taken to address it.