What are text structure and purpose questions?

Text structure and purpose questions go beyond the literal meaning of a sentence of a text. They look at whether you understand why something is being said and how it is being said. 

Purpose

Purpose is the why. Why did the author write that particular sentence withing the passage? What are they trying to accomplish? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.

Types of Purpose

• to explain
• to illustrate
  
• to criticize
• to argue
• to introduce
• to describe

Why These questions?

In any text, an author wants you to have a particular experience. It could be introducing a new concept, making you understand something, change your opinion, or to convince you of something. These questions look at your ability to identify what the author is intending.

Structure

Structure is all about flow. How does the author move from one idea to the next?

Is the author presenting an idea and giving examples to explain it? Is the author presenting contrasting ideas? Is the author presenting rhetorical questions? Is the author simply presenting a set of advantages or disadvantages? These are some of the questions that will allow you to understand structure.

How can we solve structure and purpose questions?

• Read actively: Active reading involves engaging with the text while you read, which means paying close attention to the details and taking notes. When you read a passage, make sure to underline or highlight important details that stand out to you and take notes on what you think the passage is saying.

• Understand the context: Understanding the context of a passage can help you interpret its meaning. Before you start answering questions, make sure you understand the context in which the passage was written, such as the author's background, the historical context, and the genre of the writing.

• Identify the main ideas: It's important to be able to identify the main ideas and themes in a passage. You can do this by looking for repeated words, ideas, and phrases throughout the text.
  

• Look for specific details: When answering questions about a passage, make sure to look for specific details that support your answer. This might include direct quotes or references to certain events or ideas in the text.

• Practice: Practicing with similar passages and questions can help you improve your skills over time. You can find sample questions and passages online or in test prep books to practice with.

Structure and Purpose Sample Questions - Quiz

Structure and Purpose Answers and Explanations

Question 1

Answer Choice: A

The underlined sentence in this passage reveals that Manfred encounters a tall figure wrapped in a white mantle, who he believes to be the same person he saw earlier in the cloisters. Therefore, the correct answer is A) It reveals the identity of the figure that Manfred encounters. The sentence does not introduce a new character, create suspense, or provide descriptive details about the setting, making the other answer choices incorrect.

Question 2

Answer Choice: C

The underlined sentence in this passage conveys that the characters are experiencing a sense of pleasure and enthusiasm from viewing the beauty of nature, which is a central theme of the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is C) To convey the pleasure that the characters derive from their surroundings. The sentence does not primarily highlight a contrast between Emily and her companions, describe the natural setting, or emphasize Mrs. Fermor's emotional state, making the other answer choices incorrect.