Question 82·Easy·Text Structure and Purpose
The following text is adapted from Sarah Orne Jewett’s 1884 short story A Neighbor’s Landmark.
Ever since the old stone bridge had been replaced with a modern iron structure, Miss Dunlap made a ritual of pausing at the river each morning. She admired the efficient rails and the smooth surface, yet she could not deny a tug at her heart whenever she remembered the mossy arches that once shaded the water. She would tell any listener that progress was necessary, though her wistful tone betrayed a lingering affection for the vanished bridge.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
For SAT "main purpose" or "best states the main purpose" questions, first identify who or what the passage is mainly about, then underline words and phrases that show what the author is doing with that subject (describing, arguing, explaining, narrating a process, etc.). Ask whether the passage is trying to convince you of something (argument), to explain reasons or causes (explanation), to tell a sequence of events (narration), or to show feelings or a scene (description). Then eliminate answer choices that introduce topics, reasons, or arguments that never actually appear in the text. Choose the option that best matches both the focus (Miss Dunlap and the bridge) and the tone/function (here, describing her emotional reaction).
Hints
Focus on the subject of the passage
Ask yourself: Is the passage mainly about the bridge itself, the town’s decision, or Miss Dunlap? Who is described in the most detail?
Pay attention to tone words and emotional clues
Look at phrases like "admired," "could not deny a tug at her heart," and "wistful tone." What do these suggest about how Miss Dunlap feels?
Check what the passage does not do
Does the passage give technical details about construction, present reasons for the town’s decision, or make a strong rule about historical landmarks? Eliminate any answer choice that focuses on something the passage barely mentions or doesn’t do at all.
Connect the repeated idea to the purpose
Think about what idea shows up more than once (for example, her reaction to the old and new bridges). The main purpose will usually match that repeated focus.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify who and what the passage is mainly about
Read the passage and ask: Who is at the center of this scene, and what are we told about them?
The text is almost entirely about Miss Dunlap and her behavior since the old stone bridge was replaced. It describes what she does each morning and how she reacts to the new and old bridges. There is no detailed description of the town’s decision-making process, no technical details of construction, and no list of reasons for or against preservation.
Notice the key contrast in her reaction
Look closely at the sentences describing her view of the two bridges:
- She "admired the efficient rails and the smooth surface" of the modern bridge (positive reaction).
- She "could not deny a tug at her heart" when she remembered the old bridge, and her "wistful tone" showed "lingering affection" (sadness/longing for the old bridge).
These lines show both appreciation for the new bridge and emotional attachment to the old one. That means her feelings are not purely positive or purely negative; they are in between and conflicted.
Match the answer choices to what the passage actually does
Now compare each choice to the content and tone of the passage:
- Does the passage describe technical or construction "challenges"? No.
- Does it try to convince the reader of a strong rule like "historical landmarks should always be preserved"? No; Miss Dunlap even says that "progress was necessary."
- Does it focus on giving reasons why the town demolished the stone bridge? No reasons are given at all.
Instead, the text repeatedly shows how Miss Dunlap says one thing (progress is necessary) while feeling another (a tug at her heart, wistful tone). That is the central purpose.
Choose the option that captures her conflicted emotions
The only answer that matches this focus is D) To describe Miss Dunlap’s mixed feelings about the replacement of the old bridge. It reflects both parts of her reaction: admiration for the new iron bridge and lingering affection for the old stone bridge.