Mr. Osama Ahmad January 26, 2025 8 min read

Digital SAT: Funciton Question | December 2024

Master Digital SAT Function Questions: Domain 2 Visual Guide šŸš€

Mr. O here, back with another Digital SAT brain-boost!

Just a heads-up: The questions and texts here are created by thetestadvantage.com - your source for real Digital SAT practice. No copyright issues, just honest prep! šŸ˜‰ Let's channel inner peace and focus on acing the SAT! šŸ§˜

Today, weā€™re wrestling with a style of function question that popped up on the December Digital SAT. Yep, weā€™re tackling another one of those "What's the FUNCTION of this?" type questions that can sometimes feel like a riddle wrapped in an enigma... but fear not, we're gonna crack the code!

Okay, focus back to SAT prep! Let's check out the text we're gonna dissect today:

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 Svensonā€™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 Rundown: Text Summary

Iceland Example: Wind energy use increased a lot (trend observed).
Common Model: Says green energy growth is driven by environmental worries (simple explanation).
Swedish Research (Curveball!): Model is too simple! Energy choices are complex; factors like policy age matter too (complex reality).

Question: Function of Iceland Info?

Which choice best describes the function of the information about Iceland in the text as a whole?

  • (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.

    Interpretation: This says Iceland shows an increase, and the text later says Iceland is *bad* for judging the model.

    Why itā€™s WRONG: Iceland is just a starting point, Sweden is used to challenge the model, not Iceland. Iceland's not "poorly suited" - just initial context.

  • (B) It introduces a finding that the text goes on to suggest can be explained in two different ways that are equally compelling.

    Interpretation: This says Iceland is a discovery, with *two* good explanations later in text.

    Why itā€™s WRONG: Text only mentions ONE common explanation for this type of increase (environmental incentives), and then *refutes* even that with Swedish study. No "two explanations" presented for Iceland's case.

  • (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.

    Interpretation: This says Iceland shows a *trend* that the text says is often explained simply by the model, but that simple model is not enough (inadequate).

    Why it's CORRECT (BINGO!): Iceland IS an example trend (wind energy up). Text DOES say the simple model "frequently" explains these trends (environmental incentives). Text ALSO argues this model is "inadequate" (too reductive - Swedish research). This answer matches the text structure perfectly.

  • (D) It describes a development that the text goes on to suggest has a similar cause as a seemingly unrelated trend observed in Sweden.

    Interpretation: This says Iceland is a ā€œdevelopmentā€ with a similar cause to a *different*, "unrelated" thing in Sweden.

    Why itā€™s WRONG: Text actually *contrasts* Iceland & Sweden - not ā€œsimilar causesā€. Sweden example is VERY related, not "unrelated" ā€“ it challenges the simple model prompted by Iceland's example. This choice twists text's core relationship between Iceland and Sweden.

šŸ”„ Your Winning Guide: How to Crack Function Questions Like a PRO šŸ”„

Use this step-by-step process to eliminate wrong answers and nail function questions:

  1. Step 1: Understand the QUESTION - Focus Keywords

    Identify: Keywords in the function question itself. What are you *specifically* asked to find the "function" *of*? (In this case: "function of the information about Iceland").

  2. Step 2: Reread Context AROUND the Target

    Read: Sentences IMMEDIATELY *before and after* the sentence/info in question (Iceland example at start of text - so mainly read AFTER, and consider very beginning of text before).
    Ask: How does this info connect? What job is it DOING at THIS POINT in text?

  3. Step 3: Summarize TEXT FLOW - Big Picture

    Outline: The main argument/flow of ENTIRE text in 2-3 sentences. (Text introduces Iceland as example trend ā†’ Mentions simple "environmental incentives" model ā†’ Uses Sweden study to challenge simple model, show complexity).
    Crucial: See how your target info (Iceland) fits into this OVERALL flow. Is it an introduction? Example? Supporting detail? Contrast? Conclusion?

  4. Step 4: Match Answer to FUNCTION in TEXT FLOW - Eliminate Traps!

    Test EACH answer choice: Does it accurately describe HOW the info functions within the SUMMARIZED TEXT FLOW you identified? (e.g., Does answer choice ACTUALLY reflect that Iceland is an *example trend* used to *question* the *simple model*, as your flow summary shows?)
    Beware TRAPS: Answer choices may contain keywords from text BUT twist relationships, misunderstand overall argument, or focus on irrelevant details. Eliminate choices that DON'T match the FUNCTION in OVERALL FLOW.

šŸ”„ Key Lesson: Function = ROLE in the Text's Story! šŸ”„

Remember, function questions aren't just about *what* a sentence *says*. They are about *what* it DOES - the specific job it's performing to build the text's overall argument, explanation, or flow. See the underlined sentence as an ingredient and the text as a recipe ā€“ function is about what that ingredient CONTRIBUTE to the final dish/message of the text!

Keep Practicing!

Mastering function questions takes practice, but with this guide, youā€™re well on your way! Focus on understanding the text flow and actively eliminating choices based on their FUNCTION, not just keywords. Visit testadvantage.com for more Digital SAT practice & resources. You've got the strategy - go conquer that test! šŸŽ‰

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