Digital SAT: Funciton Question | December 2024
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Today, we're diving into a tricky function question style seen on recent Digital SATs. These "What's the FUNCTION?" questions can feel confusing, but they are a key part of digital sat reading and writing. Don't sweat it – we'll break it down using a strategy that's a core part of our online sat prep.
First, Let's Look at the Text:
In Iceland, use of wind energy (e.g., turbines, grids) as a share of total national energy use grew by more than a quarter between 2010 and 2020; such increases are often explained by appeal to environmental incentives. An energy policy model holding that energy source choice is mediated mainly by national priorities (specifically: advanced energy forms displace conventional fuels as environmental concerns increase) is prevalent. Astrid Olson and Erik Svenson’s study of energy use in Sweden shows this model to be reductive, however: national energy source use was heterogeneous, flexible, and influenced by several factors, including the age of the policy head.
Quick Summary: What's Happening Here?
Iceland Trend: Wind power use shot up. (We see a change).
Simple Model: People often say this happens because of green concerns. (A common, but maybe too simple, idea).
Sweden Study (Plot Twist!): Research shows the simple model isn't enough. Energy choices are complex, involving things like who's in charge. (The reality is more complicated).
Understanding this flow is vital, just like you'd learn in comprehensive sat prep courses.
The Big Question: Why Mention Iceland?
Which choice best describes the function of the information about Iceland in the text as a whole?
Thinking cap on! How does the Iceland part fit into the bigger picture? Let's analyze the choices:
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(A) It provides an example of a type of increase that the text goes on to suggest is poorly suited for evaluating whether the energy policy model is a viable model.
Breakdown: Says Iceland shows a trend, but the text later claims Iceland is a *bad example* for testing the model.
Why it's Wrong: The text doesn't say Iceland is "poorly suited." It uses the *Sweden* study to critique the model, not dismiss the Iceland example itself. Iceland just sets the stage.
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(B) It introduces a finding that the text goes on to suggest can be explained in two different ways that are equally compelling.
Breakdown: Claims Iceland is a finding with *two equally good* explanations discussed later.
Why it's Wrong: The text gives ONE common explanation (environmental worries) and then argues *against* its sufficiency using the Sweden data. There aren't two "equally compelling" explanations presented for Iceland's trend.
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(C) It illustrates the kind of trend that the text goes on to suggest is frequently but inadequately accounted for by the energy policy model.
Breakdown: Says Iceland shows a *trend* that the text says is often explained simply (frequently), but that simple explanation isn't good enough (inadequately).
Why it's Right (Nailed it!): This perfectly matches the text's flow! Iceland = trend. Text mentions the common model ("frequently"). Text then uses Sweden to show the model is too simple ("inadequately accounted for"). This choice captures the exact role Iceland plays.
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(D) It describes a development that the text goes on to suggest has a similar cause as a seemingly unrelated trend observed in Sweden.
Breakdown: Says Iceland's situation has a similar cause to something *different* and "unrelated" in Sweden.
Why it's Wrong: The text *contrasts* the simple view (prompted by Iceland) with the complex reality (shown by Sweden). They don't have "similar causes" in the way this choice implies. The Sweden example is directly *related* – it challenges the model applied to trends like Iceland's.
Mastering these distinctions is easier when you practice with realistic digital sat practice tests that mimic the exam's nuances.
🔥 Your Winning Strategy: Crack Function Questions (Taught in Our SAT Prep Courses!) 🔥
Use this step-by-step process – a key part of our sat test study guide approach – to conquer function questions:
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Step 1: Pinpoint the Question's Focus
What exactly is the question asking about? (Here: the function of the Iceland info).
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Step 2: Read Around the Target Info
Look at the sentences just before and after the Iceland part. How does it connect locally?
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Step 3: Map the Text's Journey
Summarize the entire passage's main points in a few sentences. (Iceland trend → Simple explanation mentioned → Sweden study complicates things). Where does Iceland fit in this overall story?
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Step 4: Test Answers Against the Text's Flow
Does each answer choice accurately describe Iceland's role in that journey? Eliminate choices that twist the relationships or misrepresent the overall argument. This skill sharpens with practice using a good sat question bank.
🔥 Key Takeaway: Function = What's its JOB? 🔥
Think of the text as a building. Function questions ask: What is the purpose of this specific brick (the sentence/info)? Is it part of the foundation? A supporting wall? A decorative element? It's about the role it plays in the whole structure (the text's argument). Understanding this is crucial if you want to improve SAT score quickly.
Keep Practicing and Improve!
Getting good at function questions takes practice, but you now have a solid strategy! Focus on the text's flow and the specific job each piece of information does. Ready to apply this strategy across hundreds of realistic questions?
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Scoring Higher?
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