Set 9: Text Structure
Explanation
PASSAGE
The old house stood empty on the hill, its windows broken and dark. Years ago, it was filled with the laughter of children and the smell of baking bread. Now, only the wind visits.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question tests your understanding of how the text is organized. The first sentence shows the empty present. The second sentence shows the lively past ('laughter,' 'smell of bread'). This creates a contrast. Authors structure their writing purposefully to guide readers through their ideas. Identify the organizational pattern (cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution) and how each part contributes to the whole. Authors choose organizational patterns deliberately to enhance their message. Recognizing whether a text uses chronological order, cause-effect, compare-contrast, or problem-solution helps you understand the author's purpose and follow the logic.
Key Evidence:
• "Years ago, it was filled"
• "contrast with 'Now'"
Why others are wrong: D (No specific characters are introduced.), A (Weather is mentioned in the third sentence (wind), not the second.), C (It doesn't explain the damage.).
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