## **Learning Outcomes**

After reading this article, you will be able to recognize the rhetorical role of individual sentences in LSAT Reading Comprehension passages. You will identify why a particular sentence is present, determine how it advances the author’s argument or main idea, and distinguish sentences that provide evidence, present counterarguments, or set tone. You will apply these skills to answer rhetorical function and passage structure questions accurately.

## **LSAT Syllabus**

For LSAT, you are required to understand different reading comprehension strategies and apply them to identify why sentences appear in a passage and how they connect to the author’s argument.

- Recognizing the rhetorical purpose of individual sentences in reading passages
- Identifying how a sentence functions (e.g., provides evidence, counters, concludes, elaborates)
- Understanding how sentences fit into passage structure and argument development
- Tackling questions about sentence function and passage organization
- Distinguishing between sentences that state main points, provide reasons, or introduce contrasts

## **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. In a reading comprehension passage, a sentence begins with "however" and previews a viewpoint different from the preceding paragraph. What is the likely rhetorical purpose of this sentence?
2. If a question asks for the "function" of a sentence that provides statistics following an argument, how should you analyze that sentence’s role?
3. A passage’s main claim is in the first sentence. Midway, a sentence begins "Some critics respond that..." What is the function of this intervening sentence?
4. True or false? A sentence’s rhetorical purpose always matches its grammatical structure.

## **Introduction**

LSAT Reading Comprehension passages demand not just understanding what is said, but why individual sentences occur. Questions often ask for the rhetorical purpose of a phrase or sentence—what role it plays within the passage. Understanding sentence function is critical for both answering explicit function questions and for comprehending the development of complex arguments.

> **Key Term: rhetorical purpose**
> The fundamental function or intent of a sentence or statement within a passage; why the author presents it and how it advances the argument.

## Recognizing Rhetorical Purpose: Sentence Context and Function

Each sentence in an LSAT passage is included deliberately. Sentences serve a range of rhetorical purposes:

- Presenting or summarizing the main claim
- Introducing or countering a prior point
- Providing supporting evidence
- Clarifying, qualifying, or elaborating an idea
- Indicating contrast or continuation
- Drawing inferences or stating conclusions

> **Key Term: function question**
> A question type that asks you to identify the specific role or logical function of a sentence, phrase, or paragraph within the passage.

### Identifying Common Sentence Purposes

Certain words and phrases signal the rhetorical purpose of a sentence. Recognize these to quickly assess function:

- _Introduction to new/balanced point_: "However," "On the other hand," "Nevertheless"—often shift or contrast.
- _Evidence_: "For example," "Such as," "In support," "Consider..."—provide factual backing.
- _Conclusion_: "Therefore," "Thus," "As a result"—signal summary or main judgment.
- _Counterargument_: "Some critics argue," "Opponents contend"—state objections to be addressed.
- _Clarification_: "In other words," "That is,"—restate or specify.
- _Qualification_: "Although," "Despite"—limit or narrow prior statements.

> **Key Term: logical function**
> The specific argumentative contribution a sentence or phrase makes—such as providing evidence, illustration, contrast, qualification, or conclusion.

## Rhetorical Purpose in LSAT Assessment

LSAT function questions are not asking about the content of the sentence, but about its effect on the argument or logical flow. Proficiency means identifying not only the direct meaning but the broader purpose—does the sentence develop an argument, set up a shift, respond to a previous claim, introduce supporting facts, or conclude a discussion?

### **Worked Example 1.1**

The passage states: "Recent studies suggest that remote work increases productivity in some industries. However, traditional office environments still offer benefits for collaboration." What is the rhetorical purpose of the sentence beginning with "However"?

> **Answer:** The sentence introduces a counterpoint by acknowledging benefits of traditional offices, creating balance and contrast within the discussion.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

A sentence in a passage reads: "Consequently, regulations were enacted to address these concerns." A question asks for the function of this sentence. What is its rhetorical purpose?

> **Answer:** This sentence draws a conclusion based on preceding information, showing the result or outcome of the concerns described.

### **Worked Example 1.3**

An LSAT question presents the following: "The sentence 'Some researchers question these findings based on the limited sample size' primarily serves to: (A) Provide an example; (B) Offer background; (C) Introduce skepticism; (D) Summarize the main idea." Which is correct and why?

> **Answer:** (C) Introduce skepticism. The sentence presents a challenge or limitation to the findings by referencing other voices, serving as a counterargument.

### **Exam Warning**

> Function questions often have tempting answers that mischaracterize the sentence’s role. Avoid picking choices that summarize content. Instead, focus on how the sentence supports, contrasts, qualifies, or develops the author’s argument.

### **Revision Tip**

> When reviewing a passage, briefly note the function of each paragraph and any signal sentences. For each sentence, ask, "What is the author trying to do here?"

## Typical Function Question Stems

Function questions are usually phrased as:

- "The author uses the sentence... primarily to:"
- "What is the main function of this statement?"
- "Why does the author introduce the information that...?"

Always paraphrase what the sentence actually does in the argument before looking at answer choices.

## Systems for Answering Function Questions

1. Identify key transition words or context clues.
2. Paraphrase what the sentence is doing within the passage’s argument.
3. Anticipate whether it provides support, contrast, qualification, evidence, or a conclusion.
4. Use Process of Elimination: discard answers that simply rephrase the text or are too broad/narrow.

## Sentence Function vs. Grammatical Role

Be wary: rhetorical purpose is independent of grammar. A declarative sentence may provide evidence or conclusion depending on context. The purpose is set by location and context in the argument, not form alone.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Sentences may serve as main claims, evidence, background, counterargument, or conclusion
- Identify sentence function by context and surrounding argument structure
- Recognize signal words that indicate rhetorical purpose
- Function questions require you to determine the impact of a sentence on the author's logic
- Understanding function clarifies logical flow and aids in eliminating wrong answers

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- rhetorical purpose
- function question
- logical function

Reading comprehension strategies and techniques - Rhetorical purpose of individual sentences