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Lesson Example Discussion Quiz: Class Homework

Example

Title: Text Structure And Purpose

Grade: 1300-a Lesson: S2-L2

Explanation: Let us discuss an example of an SAT Reading comprehension question.

Examples:

The following text is from Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale. Mr. Verloc is navigating the London streets on his way to a meeting.
Before reaching Knightsbridge, Mr. Verloc took a turn to the left out of the busy main thoroughfare, uproarious with the traffic of swaying omnibuses and trotting vans, in the almost silent, swift flow of hansoms [horse-drawn carriages]. Under his hat, worn with a slight backward tilt, his hair had been carefully brushed into respectful sleekness; for his business was with an Embassy. And Mr. Verloc, steady like a rock-a soft kind of rock-marched now along a street which could with every propriety be described as private.

Question:

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined phrase in the text as a whole?

A) It qualifies an earlier description of Mr. Verloc.

B) It emphasizes an internal struggle Mr. Verloc experiences.

C) It contrasts Mr. Verloc with his surroundings.

D) It reveals a private opinion Mr. Verloc holds

Answer:

A) It qualifies an earlier description of Mr. Verloc.

Tip :

Choice A is the correct answer. The underline phrase qualifies (meaning adds limits or conditions to) the description of Mr.Verloc as “steady like a rock,” adding that he is a “soft” rock.