Main purpose
SAT glossary · Reading & Writing
Definition
Why a text (or a part of it) was written - to argue, describe, illustrate, qualify. Distinct from what the text says; a purpose distractor often correctly summarizes content while misidentifying the function.
Main purpose in plain English
'Main purpose' asks WHY a piece of text (or some part of it) was written in the first place — was it meant to argue a position, describe something, illustrate an example, or qualify (add a limitation to) an earlier claim? This is a completely different question from asking WHAT the text says (its content). A classic trap answer will actually summarize the text's content accurately, but will misidentify the FUNCTION or purpose behind why that content was included.
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