SAT Reading Answer Explanations: Question 11 from Official SAT Practice Test 10
This Main Purpose Question often stumps even the sharpest test-takers. Learn how to apply Quiz Hacker's "Bird's Eye Analysis" to find the correct answer on this frequently missed question!
In my many years as an SAT Reading test prep tutor, I’ve seen many exceptionally bright students struggle with this question. (The most common incorrect answer is B, followed by A.) This struggle is not surprising, as the question is quite challenging, with all three incorrect answer choices referring to ideas directly expressed in the passage.
Since this is a Main Purpose Question (a type of General Question), we’ll solve it using Quiz Hacker’s “Bird’s Eye Analysis” tactic for General Questions. If you aren’t yet familiar with the Bird’s Eye Analysis method, read the following article: Mastering SAT Reading General Questions.
(Note — you can find Official SAT Practice Test 10 in “The Official SAT Study Guide.” It’s also available for download from the College Board website.)
Applying the Bird’s Eye Analysis
Read the title: "The Conundrum: How Scientific Innovation, Increased Efficiency, and Good Intentions Can Make Our Energy and Climate Problems Worse."
Read the first sentence or two, and last sentence or two, of the first paragraph:
"Building good transit isn’t a bad idea, but it can actually backfire if the new trains and buses merely clear space on highway lanes for those who would prefer to drive …”
“Needless to say, those ideas [doing things that discourage driving] are not popular. But they’re necessary, because you can’t make people drive less, in the long run, by taking steps that make driving more pleasant, economical, and productive.”
Take note of any questions asked near the beginning of the passage: N/A.
Read the last sentence or two of the entire passage:
"No one ever promotes a transit scheme by arguing that it would make traveling less convenient—even though, from an environmental perspective, inconvenient travel is a worthy goal."
Read the topic sentence of each body paragraph in the passage: This step is not necessary on this question, since the main purpose of the passage is made clear by Steps 1, 2, and 4.
Now that we’ve worked through the Bird’s Eye Analysis, let’s use it to eliminate incorrect answers and identify the correct answer:
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