SAT Math › Author's Intent
This excerpt is adapted from Kara Flanagan, “An Introduction to Linguistics.”
Linguists may specialize in any number of elements of language. While some examine morphology, the composition of individual words, others may study syntax, the structure of entire sentences. Those who study semantics or pragmatics, on the other hand, focus on the meanings of individual words, and how they might change depending on the context. Some linguists, known as phonologists, instead turn their attention to the speech sounds which make up spoken languages. Altogether, linguists have been responsible for the preservation of thousands of endangered languages.
Which choice provides the most effective conclusion for the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
Hardly a monolith, linguists work within an array of subfields nearly as diverse as the languages they study.
Linguists sometimes live for months or years among the populations whose languages they study.
Many linguists never learn to speak the languages they choose to study.
When asked to choose which sentence presents the best conclusion, focus on the preceding information to understand what the remainder of the paragraph has discussed. The paragraph begins by suggesting that there are numerous “elements of language” to which linguists turn their attention, and goes on to name and define several of them, including morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology. The present choice, which focuses on the “preservation” of “endangered languages,” has no connection to the remainder of the paragraph. The choice of mentioning the “populations” studies by linguists also makes a leap from the subjects discussed to groups that have yet to be mentioned. The choice which suggests that linguists might “never learn to speak” their studied languages, even if it may be true, doesn’t present an effective or relevant conclusion. However, the choice which mentions an “array of subfields” within linguistics accurately reflects the substance of the preceding paragraph while also drawing an effective comparison between these “subfields” and languages themselves.
This excerpt is adapted from Kara Flanagan, “An Introduction to Linguistics.”
Linguists may specialize in any number of elements of language. While some examine morphology, the composition of individual words, others may study syntax, the structure of entire sentences. Those who study semantics or pragmatics, on the other hand, focus on the meanings of individual words, and how they might change depending on the context. Some linguists, known as phonologists, instead turn their attention to the speech sounds which make up spoken languages. Altogether, linguists have been responsible for the preservation of thousands of endangered languages.
Which choice provides the most effective conclusion for the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
Hardly a monolith, linguists work within an array of subfields nearly as diverse as the languages they study.
Linguists sometimes live for months or years among the populations whose languages they study.
Many linguists never learn to speak the languages they choose to study.
When asked to choose which sentence presents the best conclusion, focus on the preceding information to understand what the remainder of the paragraph has discussed. The paragraph begins by suggesting that there are numerous “elements of language” to which linguists turn their attention, and goes on to name and define several of them, including morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology. The present choice, which focuses on the “preservation” of “endangered languages,” has no connection to the remainder of the paragraph. The choice of mentioning the “populations” studies by linguists also makes a leap from the subjects discussed to groups that have yet to be mentioned. The choice which suggests that linguists might “never learn to speak” their studied languages, even if it may be true, doesn’t present an effective or relevant conclusion. However, the choice which mentions an “array of subfields” within linguistics accurately reflects the substance of the preceding paragraph while also drawing an effective comparison between these “subfields” and languages themselves.
This excerpt is adapted from Kara Flanagan, “An Introduction to Linguistics.”
Linguists may specialize in any number of elements of language. While some examine morphology, the composition of individual words, others may study syntax, the structure of entire sentences. Those who study semantics or pragmatics, on the other hand, focus on the meanings of individual words, and how they might change depending on the context. Some linguists, known as phonologists, instead turn their attention to the speech sounds which make up spoken languages. Altogether, linguists have been responsible for the preservation of thousands of endangered languages.
Which choice provides the most effective conclusion for the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
Hardly a monolith, linguists work within an array of subfields nearly as diverse as the languages they study.
Linguists sometimes live for months or years among the populations whose languages they study.
Many linguists never learn to speak the languages they choose to study.
When asked to choose which sentence presents the best conclusion, focus on the preceding information to understand what the remainder of the paragraph has discussed. The paragraph begins by suggesting that there are numerous “elements of language” to which linguists turn their attention, and goes on to name and define several of them, including morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology. The present choice, which focuses on the “preservation” of “endangered languages,” has no connection to the remainder of the paragraph. The choice of mentioning the “populations” studies by linguists also makes a leap from the subjects discussed to groups that have yet to be mentioned. The choice which suggests that linguists might “never learn to speak” their studied languages, even if it may be true, doesn’t present an effective or relevant conclusion. However, the choice which mentions an “array of subfields” within linguistics accurately reflects the substance of the preceding paragraph while also drawing an effective comparison between these “subfields” and languages themselves.
This excerpt is adapted from Kara Flanagan, “An Introduction to Linguistics.”
Linguists may specialize in any number of elements of language. While some examine morphology, the composition of individual words, others may study syntax, the structure of entire sentences. Those who study semantics or pragmatics, on the other hand, focus on the meanings of individual words, and how they might change depending on the context. Some linguists, known as phonologists, instead turn their attention to the speech sounds which make up spoken languages. Altogether, linguists have been responsible for the preservation of thousands of endangered languages.
Which choice provides the most effective conclusion for the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
Hardly a monolith, linguists work within an array of subfields nearly as diverse as the languages they study.
Linguists sometimes live for months or years among the populations whose languages they study.
Many linguists never learn to speak the languages they choose to study.
When asked to choose which sentence presents the best conclusion, focus on the preceding information to understand what the remainder of the paragraph has discussed. The paragraph begins by suggesting that there are numerous “elements of language” to which linguists turn their attention, and goes on to name and define several of them, including morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology. The present choice, which focuses on the “preservation” of “endangered languages,” has no connection to the remainder of the paragraph. The choice of mentioning the “populations” studies by linguists also makes a leap from the subjects discussed to groups that have yet to be mentioned. The choice which suggests that linguists might “never learn to speak” their studied languages, even if it may be true, doesn’t present an effective or relevant conclusion. However, the choice which mentions an “array of subfields” within linguistics accurately reflects the substance of the preceding paragraph while also drawing an effective comparison between these “subfields” and languages themselves.
This excerpt is adapted from Kara Flanagan, “An Introduction to Linguistics.”
Linguists may specialize in any number of elements of language. While some examine morphology, the composition of individual words, others may study syntax, the structure of entire sentences. Those who study semantics or pragmatics, on the other hand, focus on the meanings of individual words, and how they might change depending on the context. Some linguists, known as phonologists, instead turn their attention to the speech sounds which make up spoken languages. Altogether, linguists have been responsible for the preservation of thousands of endangered languages.
Which choice provides the most effective conclusion for the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
Hardly a monolith, linguists work within an array of subfields nearly as diverse as the languages they study.
Linguists sometimes live for months or years among the populations whose languages they study.
Many linguists never learn to speak the languages they choose to study.
When asked to choose which sentence presents the best conclusion, focus on the preceding information to understand what the remainder of the paragraph has discussed. The paragraph begins by suggesting that there are numerous “elements of language” to which linguists turn their attention, and goes on to name and define several of them, including morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology. The present choice, which focuses on the “preservation” of “endangered languages,” has no connection to the remainder of the paragraph. The choice of mentioning the “populations” studies by linguists also makes a leap from the subjects discussed to groups that have yet to be mentioned. The choice which suggests that linguists might “never learn to speak” their studied languages, even if it may be true, doesn’t present an effective or relevant conclusion. However, the choice which mentions an “array of subfields” within linguistics accurately reflects the substance of the preceding paragraph while also drawing an effective comparison between these “subfields” and languages themselves.
This excerpt is adapted from Alan Gomez, The Pollution Solution.
Photosynthesis, despite popular conception, is not unique to plants, as it is performed by many microscopic organisms. Recent experimental evidence has shown that leafy plants, usually among the most effective photosynthesizers, perform the process much less efficiently when hindered by particle pollution. In one study, experimenters measured the oxygen output from dozens of identical plants placed in artificial environments with varying air quality and found that the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthetic inhibition was exponential—as particle count was increased steadily, oxygen output fell more and more steeply. With these results in mind, many environmental scientists believe that in some of the country’s most polluted cities, leafy plants may soon be completely unable to perform the photosynthetic processes necessary to sustain human life.
Which choice most effectively introduces the information which follows in the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
There is a growing belief among climate scientists that the current rise in global temperatures may be an irreversible trend.
Particle pollution also has a detrimental impact on photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
Some types of trees, known formally as conifers, maintain their green color and keep their leaves throughout all four seasons.
When asked to choose which sentence most effectively introduces a paragraph, examine the remainder of the paragraph to determine which choice aligns most closely with the information which follows. The body of the paragraph focuses on the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthesis, describes a study on leafy plants in different artificial environments, and speculates about the implications of the findings. The responses which focus on a “rise in global temperatures” and trees which “keep their leaves throughout all four seasons” are entirely irrelevant and can be discarded. The existing sentence, although it mentions photosynthesis, mentions that the process also occurs in microorganisms, an idea which is not expanded upon in the remainder of the paragraph. The choice which mentioned the “detrimental impact” of particle pollution on photosynthesis, however, effectively introduces an idea which is further explored in the sentences which follow.
This excerpt is adapted from Alan Gomez, The Pollution Solution.
Photosynthesis, despite popular conception, is not unique to plants, as it is performed by many microscopic organisms. Recent experimental evidence has shown that leafy plants, usually among the most effective photosynthesizers, perform the process much less efficiently when hindered by particle pollution. In one study, experimenters measured the oxygen output from dozens of identical plants placed in artificial environments with varying air quality and found that the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthetic inhibition was exponential—as particle count was increased steadily, oxygen output fell more and more steeply. With these results in mind, many environmental scientists believe that in some of the country’s most polluted cities, leafy plants may soon be completely unable to perform the photosynthetic processes necessary to sustain human life.
Which choice most effectively introduces the information which follows in the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
There is a growing belief among climate scientists that the current rise in global temperatures may be an irreversible trend.
Particle pollution also has a detrimental impact on photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
Some types of trees, known formally as conifers, maintain their green color and keep their leaves throughout all four seasons.
When asked to choose which sentence most effectively introduces a paragraph, examine the remainder of the paragraph to determine which choice aligns most closely with the information which follows. The body of the paragraph focuses on the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthesis, describes a study on leafy plants in different artificial environments, and speculates about the implications of the findings. The responses which focus on a “rise in global temperatures” and trees which “keep their leaves throughout all four seasons” are entirely irrelevant and can be discarded. The existing sentence, although it mentions photosynthesis, mentions that the process also occurs in microorganisms, an idea which is not expanded upon in the remainder of the paragraph. The choice which mentioned the “detrimental impact” of particle pollution on photosynthesis, however, effectively introduces an idea which is further explored in the sentences which follow.
This excerpt is adapted from Alan Gomez, The Pollution Solution.
Photosynthesis, despite popular conception, is not unique to plants, as it is performed by many microscopic organisms. Recent experimental evidence has shown that leafy plants, usually among the most effective photosynthesizers, perform the process much less efficiently when hindered by particle pollution. In one study, experimenters measured the oxygen output from dozens of identical plants placed in artificial environments with varying air quality and found that the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthetic inhibition was exponential—as particle count was increased steadily, oxygen output fell more and more steeply. With these results in mind, many environmental scientists believe that in some of the country’s most polluted cities, leafy plants may soon be completely unable to perform the photosynthetic processes necessary to sustain human life.
Which choice most effectively introduces the information which follows in the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
There is a growing belief among climate scientists that the current rise in global temperatures may be an irreversible trend.
Particle pollution also has a detrimental impact on photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
Some types of trees, known formally as conifers, maintain their green color and keep their leaves throughout all four seasons.
When asked to choose which sentence most effectively introduces a paragraph, examine the remainder of the paragraph to determine which choice aligns most closely with the information which follows. The body of the paragraph focuses on the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthesis, describes a study on leafy plants in different artificial environments, and speculates about the implications of the findings. The responses which focus on a “rise in global temperatures” and trees which “keep their leaves throughout all four seasons” are entirely irrelevant and can be discarded. The existing sentence, although it mentions photosynthesis, mentions that the process also occurs in microorganisms, an idea which is not expanded upon in the remainder of the paragraph. The choice which mentioned the “detrimental impact” of particle pollution on photosynthesis, however, effectively introduces an idea which is further explored in the sentences which follow.
This excerpt is adapted from Alan Gomez, The Pollution Solution.
Photosynthesis, despite popular conception, is not unique to plants, as it is performed by many microscopic organisms. Recent experimental evidence has shown that leafy plants, usually among the most effective photosynthesizers, perform the process much less efficiently when hindered by particle pollution. In one study, experimenters measured the oxygen output from dozens of identical plants placed in artificial environments with varying air quality and found that the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthetic inhibition was exponential—as particle count was increased steadily, oxygen output fell more and more steeply. With these results in mind, many environmental scientists believe that in some of the country’s most polluted cities, leafy plants may soon be completely unable to perform the photosynthetic processes necessary to sustain human life.
Which choice most effectively introduces the information which follows in the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
There is a growing belief among climate scientists that the current rise in global temperatures may be an irreversible trend.
Particle pollution also has a detrimental impact on photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
Some types of trees, known formally as conifers, maintain their green color and keep their leaves throughout all four seasons.
When asked to choose which sentence most effectively introduces a paragraph, examine the remainder of the paragraph to determine which choice aligns most closely with the information which follows. The body of the paragraph focuses on the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthesis, describes a study on leafy plants in different artificial environments, and speculates about the implications of the findings. The responses which focus on a “rise in global temperatures” and trees which “keep their leaves throughout all four seasons” are entirely irrelevant and can be discarded. The existing sentence, although it mentions photosynthesis, mentions that the process also occurs in microorganisms, an idea which is not expanded upon in the remainder of the paragraph. The choice which mentioned the “detrimental impact” of particle pollution on photosynthesis, however, effectively introduces an idea which is further explored in the sentences which follow.
This excerpt is adapted from Alan Gomez, The Pollution Solution.
Photosynthesis, despite popular conception, is not unique to plants, as it is performed by many microscopic organisms. Recent experimental evidence has shown that leafy plants, usually among the most effective photosynthesizers, perform the process much less efficiently when hindered by particle pollution. In one study, experimenters measured the oxygen output from dozens of identical plants placed in artificial environments with varying air quality and found that the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthetic inhibition was exponential—as particle count was increased steadily, oxygen output fell more and more steeply. With these results in mind, many environmental scientists believe that in some of the country’s most polluted cities, leafy plants may soon be completely unable to perform the photosynthetic processes necessary to sustain human life.
Which choice most effectively introduces the information which follows in the paragraph?
NO CHANGE
There is a growing belief among climate scientists that the current rise in global temperatures may be an irreversible trend.
Particle pollution also has a detrimental impact on photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.
Some types of trees, known formally as conifers, maintain their green color and keep their leaves throughout all four seasons.
When asked to choose which sentence most effectively introduces a paragraph, examine the remainder of the paragraph to determine which choice aligns most closely with the information which follows. The body of the paragraph focuses on the relationship between particle pollution and photosynthesis, describes a study on leafy plants in different artificial environments, and speculates about the implications of the findings. The responses which focus on a “rise in global temperatures” and trees which “keep their leaves throughout all four seasons” are entirely irrelevant and can be discarded. The existing sentence, although it mentions photosynthesis, mentions that the process also occurs in microorganisms, an idea which is not expanded upon in the remainder of the paragraph. The choice which mentioned the “detrimental impact” of particle pollution on photosynthesis, however, effectively introduces an idea which is further explored in the sentences which follow.