Question Type X — Function of Part of the Passage

Why does the author say the things he or she does? Every part of the passage has a purpose, which is typically connected to the main idea.

How to identify ‘Function of Part of the Passage’ questions: The question will ask why the author says something.

  • For what reason does the author assert that the slave rebellion was highlighted?
  • Why does the author cite the studies on global warming in paragraph 3?
  • What function does the analogy to a military coup in paragraph 2 serve?

How to tackle them: Generally, each part of a passage functions to:

  • Support a point made elsewhere in the passage (maybe the main idea).
  • Show why two things are similar or different.
  • Clarify a point.
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