Reading comprehension question types - Function and purpose ...

Learning Outcomes

By studying this article, you will be able to identify function and purpose of text segments questions on the LSAT Reading Comprehension section. You will understand how to analyse the role played by sentences, paragraphs, and specific phrases within passages. You'll gain the skills to differentiate between descriptive, argumentative, contrastive, and evidentiary segments to select the correct answer efficiently.

LSAT Syllabus

For the LSAT, you are required to understand the purpose and function of text segments within Reading Comprehension passages. Function and purpose questions test if you can recognise why a certain sentence, phrase, or paragraph appears and what role it plays in the passage's argument or exposition.

Pay special attention in your revision to:

• recognising function/purpose question stems and what they require
• identifying the specific argumentative, structural, or descriptive role played by sentences, clauses, and paragraphs
• distinguishing between evidence, main idea, contrast, qualification, background, and authorial attitude
• selecting the answer choice that accurately describes the function or purpose in context

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. A passage states: "However, some scholars question this interpretation." What is the main function of this sentence?
   1. to summarise findings
   2. to introduce counterargument
   3. to give data
   4. to state the author's own opinion
2. What is typically signalled by a paragraph that begins with "For example," in LSAT Reading Comprehension?
   1. The main conclusion
   2. Background context
   3. Supporting evidence
   4. Criticism of earlier points

3. Which answer choice best describes the function of a paragraph that outlines drawbacks to a theory discussed previously in a passage?

Introduction

Function and purpose of text segments questions require you to state why a particular part of a passage has been included. These questions appear often in the LSAT Reading Comprehension section and ask about individual lines, sentences, paragraphs, or even just a phrase. You may be asked for the "primary function", "role", or "purpose" played by a specified segment.

Recognising the fundamental role a segment has—such as presenting evidence, outlining a contrast, introducing a counterargument, or giving background—is essential. Focusing too narrowly on the content instead of the segment's job is a common error with this question type.

Key Term: function question
A question that requires you to specify the role, purpose, or job a text segment performs within the passage's structure or argument.

Key Term: purpose question
A question that asks you what the author is trying to achieve by including a specific word, phrase, sentence, or paragraph.

Recognising Function and Purpose Questions

Function and purpose questions may be phrased:

• "What is the primary function of the third paragraph?"
• "The author mentions [phrase] primarily in order to..."
• "Which of the following best describes the role played by [sentence] in the passage?"
• "The main purpose of [line X] is to..."

They frequently ask about sentences beginning with transition words like "however," "therefore," "for example," or qualifiers such as "indeed," "in contrast," or "supposedly." Function and purpose are not always synonymous—purpose may explicitly refer to the author's intent, while function is sometimes a more neutral description of argumentative, evidentiary, or narrative role.

Common Roles Played by Text Segments

Text segments can serve many functions. The most common are:

• Presenting a main idea or conclusion: Stating the passage's thesis or a key argument the passage supports.
• Introducing evidence: Providing data, examples, or details to support claims.
• Signalling contrast or qualification: Highlighting a limitation, exception, or alternative view.
• Presenting background: Giving context or necessary facts to understand the main discussion.
• Stating a counterargument or criticism: Introducing or developing an objection to a claim or theory previously advanced.
• Clarifying or explaining: Making technical, ambiguous, or complex ideas more understandable.

Worked Example 1.1

In a passage about the effects of urbanisation on wildlife, a sentence reads: "Nevertheless, others warn that such development can reduce biodiversity."
Question: What is the function of this sentence?

Answer:
The sentence introduces a contrasting viewpoint or counterargument, qualifying the optimism of prior claims in the passage.

Worked Example 1.2

A paragraph begins: "For instance, the black rhinoceros has adapted to regional pressures by..."
Question: What is the function of this paragraph?

Answer:
The paragraph gives a specific example to illustrate or support the immediately preceding general claim.

Key Approach for Function/Purpose Questions

Always consider both content and context. Don't just paraphrase the highlighted segment. Instead:

1. Read several lines before and after the segment.
2. Ask: Why did the author include this? What effect does it have on the reader or the argument?
3. Identify if the segment presents a new point, evidence, an objection, a clarification, a definition, or another role.
4. Eliminate answer choices that only restate content rather than describe the intent or function.

Key Term: argumentative structure
The logical arrangement of claims, support, objections, and conclusions within a passage.

Worked Example 1.3

A passage sentence: "On the other hand, this approach has failed in several trials."
Question: What is the primary function of this sentence?

Answer:
The sentence introduces a contrast to previously discussed successes, highlighting possible limitations to a theory.

Typical Wrong Answer Traps

LSAT answer choices for function/purpose questions often include:

• Paraphrases of the segment's content with no reference to its role ("The paragraph describes failed experiments...")—these are incomplete as function answers.
• Overbroad descriptions ("This paragraph explains all scientific theories...") or overly narrow, procedural ones.
• Misidentification of argument structure (e.g., calling a counterpoint "additional evidence" or mistaking an explanation for an objection).
• Assigning the author's own position wrongly (e.g., stating the author is endorsing a viewpoint they are merely reporting).

Exam Warning

On function questions, do not choose an answer that simply paraphrases the text or details content without describing the role or effect. The correct answer will explain what the segment is doing, not just what it says.

Revision Tip

Practise quickly identifying argumentative roles—contrast, evidence, background, objection—by reading random paragraphs from sample passages and stating their likely function aloud in one sentence.

Answering Function and Purpose Questions Effectively

When answering, use the following method:

1. Read the referenced segment in context. Go back at least one paragraph or several lines.
2. Determine the broader structure of the passage. Where does this segment fit? Is it a claim, support, background, contrast, or summary?
3. Identify explicit signals: words like "however" (contrast), "for example" (evidence), or "in summary" (conclusion).
4. Formulate the function in your own words, then look for the best match among the answer choices.
5. Eliminate answer choices that merely restate or summarise the passage content.

Worked Example 1.4

Question stem: "The author refers to the 1976 vaccination campaign (lines 22–27) primarily in order to"

Possible answers:

a) Summarize the success of public health
b) Support the view that public fears about new vaccines can affect policy outcomes
c) Introduce an unrelated historical event
d) Illustrate how vaccines eradicate disease

Answer:
(b) is correct; the reference functions to support the view that public opinion can shape health policy decisions, not just to recount facts about the 1976 campaign.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Understand what function and purpose of text segments questions on the LSAT Reading Comprehension section require.
• Identify standard roles: presenting evidence, stating contrast, giving background, or outlining objection.
• Recognise LSAT question stem cues that signal function/purpose questions.
• Avoid answer choices that only paraphrase content or misstate argumentative structure.
• Practise stating a segment's function in your own words before reviewing answers.

Key Terms and Concepts

• function question
• purpose question
• argumentative structure