Function of a Word or Phrase - PSAT Reading & Writing
Card 1 of 30
Identify the function of the colon in: "She had one goal: to finish the marathon."
Identify the function of the colon in: "She had one goal: to finish the marathon."
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Introduces an explanation or specification. Announces what follows will clarify the preceding.
Introduces an explanation or specification. Announces what follows will clarify the preceding.
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Identify the function of "therefore" in: "The sample was contaminated; therefore, the results were discarded."
Identify the function of "therefore" in: "The sample was contaminated; therefore, the results were discarded."
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Signal a conclusion based on the previous statement. "Therefore" shows discarding results logically follows from contamination.
Signal a conclusion based on the previous statement. "Therefore" shows discarding results logically follows from contamination.
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Which question best helps you determine a word or phrase's function in context?
Which question best helps you determine a word or phrase's function in context?
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What job does it do in the sentence or paragraph. This question focuses on the word/phrase's purpose within its context.
What job does it do in the sentence or paragraph. This question focuses on the word/phrase's purpose within its context.
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What is the function of a transition such as "however" or "nevertheless"?
What is the function of a transition such as "however" or "nevertheless"?
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Signal contrast or concession. These transitions introduce opposing or unexpected information.
Signal contrast or concession. These transitions introduce opposing or unexpected information.
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What is the function of a transition such as "therefore" or "thus"?
What is the function of a transition such as "therefore" or "thus"?
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Signal cause-and-effect or a conclusion. These transitions show logical consequence or result.
Signal cause-and-effect or a conclusion. These transitions show logical consequence or result.
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What is the function of a transition such as "for example" or "for instance"?
What is the function of a transition such as "for example" or "for instance"?
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Introduce an example that supports a point. These phrases signal specific instances that illustrate a general point.
Introduce an example that supports a point. These phrases signal specific instances that illustrate a general point.
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What is the function of a transition such as "in other words" or "that is"?
What is the function of a transition such as "in other words" or "that is"?
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Restate or clarify an idea. These transitions rephrase for clarity or emphasis.
Restate or clarify an idea. These transitions rephrase for clarity or emphasis.
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What is the function of a transition such as "moreover" or "furthermore"?
What is the function of a transition such as "moreover" or "furthermore"?
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Add supporting information. These transitions build on previous points with additional evidence.
Add supporting information. These transitions build on previous points with additional evidence.
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Identify the function of "in other words" in: "The policy is regressive; in other words, it burdens low earners."
Identify the function of "in other words" in: "The policy is regressive; in other words, it burdens low earners."
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Restate the idea in clearer, more specific terms. This transition signals a clearer explanation of "regressive."
Restate the idea in clearer, more specific terms. This transition signals a clearer explanation of "regressive."
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What is the function of a transition such as "meanwhile" or "subsequently"?
What is the function of a transition such as "meanwhile" or "subsequently"?
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Indicate time order or sequence. These transitions show when events occur relative to each other.
Indicate time order or sequence. These transitions show when events occur relative to each other.
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What is the function of a phrase set off by dashes or parentheses in a sentence?
What is the function of a phrase set off by dashes or parentheses in a sentence?
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Add an aside, clarification, or extra detail. Punctuation marks these as supplementary, not essential information.
Add an aside, clarification, or extra detail. Punctuation marks these as supplementary, not essential information.
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What is the function of quotation marks around a single word in an argument?
What is the function of quotation marks around a single word in an argument?
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Signal skepticism, irony, or a nonstandard meaning. Quotes highlight unusual usage or distance from literal meaning.
Signal skepticism, irony, or a nonstandard meaning. Quotes highlight unusual usage or distance from literal meaning.
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What is the function of a colon introducing text after an independent clause?
What is the function of a colon introducing text after an independent clause?
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Introduce an explanation, list, or elaboration. The colon signals that what follows expands on the complete thought.
Introduce an explanation, list, or elaboration. The colon signals that what follows expands on the complete thought.
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What is the function of a semicolon joining two independent clauses?
What is the function of a semicolon joining two independent clauses?
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Link closely related ideas with equal weight. Semicolons connect complete thoughts that are closely connected.
Link closely related ideas with equal weight. Semicolons connect complete thoughts that are closely connected.
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What is the function of a phrase like "in other words"?
What is the function of a phrase like "in other words"?
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Restate or clarify an idea in different terms. Simplifies complex ideas for clarity.
Restate or clarify an idea in different terms. Simplifies complex ideas for clarity.
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What is the function of a phrase like "in contrast" or "on the other hand"?
What is the function of a phrase like "in contrast" or "on the other hand"?
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Set up a comparison by emphasizing differences. Highlights opposing viewpoints or conditions.
Set up a comparison by emphasizing differences. Highlights opposing viewpoints or conditions.
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Which function best describes a word that defines an unfamiliar term for the reader?
Which function best describes a word that defines an unfamiliar term for the reader?
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Clarifies meaning by providing a definition. Definitions help readers understand new vocabulary.
Clarifies meaning by providing a definition. Definitions help readers understand new vocabulary.
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What does it mean to identify the function of a word or phrase in a passage?
What does it mean to identify the function of a word or phrase in a passage?
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Determine the role it plays in advancing meaning, tone, or structure. It's analyzing how words contribute to the passage's purpose.
Determine the role it plays in advancing meaning, tone, or structure. It's analyzing how words contribute to the passage's purpose.
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Identify the function of "not only" in: "The plan not only reduced costs but also improved safety."
Identify the function of "not only" in: "The plan not only reduced costs but also improved safety."
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Emphasizes addition with a paired structure. Creates parallel structure for emphasis.
Emphasizes addition with a paired structure. Creates parallel structure for emphasis.
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Identify the function of the phrase "for the sake of clarity" in: "For the sake of clarity, the author lists steps."
Identify the function of the phrase "for the sake of clarity" in: "For the sake of clarity, the author lists steps."
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States the purpose for including the information. Prepositional phrases explain intent.
States the purpose for including the information. Prepositional phrases explain intent.
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Identify the function of "because" in: "Because the roads iced over, the school closed early."
Identify the function of "because" in: "Because the roads iced over, the school closed early."
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Introduces the reason (cause) for the event. Subordinating conjunctions show causation.
Introduces the reason (cause) for the event. Subordinating conjunctions show causation.
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Identify the function of "in contrast" in: "Cats are solitary; in contrast, dogs often seek groups."
Identify the function of "in contrast" in: "Cats are solitary; in contrast, dogs often seek groups."
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Highlights a difference between two ideas. Transition phrases show relationships.
Highlights a difference between two ideas. Transition phrases show relationships.
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Which function best describes the word "therefore" when it introduces a statement drawn from earlier points?
Which function best describes the word "therefore" when it introduces a statement drawn from earlier points?
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Signals a conclusion or inference. Shows logical progression from evidence.
Signals a conclusion or inference. Shows logical progression from evidence.
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Which function best describes the phrase "for instance" when it introduces a case that demonstrates a point?
Which function best describes the phrase "for instance" when it introduces a case that demonstrates a point?
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Introduces an example. Transitions from general to specific.
Introduces an example. Transitions from general to specific.
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Which function best describes the phrase "as a result" when it links an action to an outcome?
Which function best describes the phrase "as a result" when it links an action to an outcome?
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Signals cause-and-effect. Links actions to their consequences.
Signals cause-and-effect. Links actions to their consequences.
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Which function best describes the word "however" when it connects two sentences with opposing ideas?
Which function best describes the word "however" when it connects two sentences with opposing ideas?
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Signals contrast or concession. Transition words show relationship between ideas.
Signals contrast or concession. Transition words show relationship between ideas.
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Which function best describes a phrase that limits a claim (for example, "often" or "in some cases")?
Which function best describes a phrase that limits a claim (for example, "often" or "in some cases")?
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Qualifies or narrows the claim. Qualifiers prevent overgeneralization.
Qualifies or narrows the claim. Qualifiers prevent overgeneralization.
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Which function best describes a sentence that provides evidence (data, facts, quotations) for a claim?
Which function best describes a sentence that provides evidence (data, facts, quotations) for a claim?
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Supports the claim with evidence. Evidence strengthens arguments with facts.
Supports the claim with evidence. Evidence strengthens arguments with facts.
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Identify the function of "in summary" in: "In summary, the study confirms the earlier findings."
Identify the function of "in summary" in: "In summary, the study confirms the earlier findings."
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Signals a recap of main points. Transition phrases organize conclusions.
Signals a recap of main points. Transition phrases organize conclusions.
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Identify the function of "specifically" in: "Many tools are useful; specifically, a wrench can tighten bolts."
Identify the function of "specifically" in: "Many tools are useful; specifically, a wrench can tighten bolts."
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Narrows from general to specific detail. Transitions from broad to precise.
Narrows from general to specific detail. Transitions from broad to precise.
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