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Today, weāre wrestling with a style of function question that popped up on the December Digital SAT. Yep, weāre 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 Svensonās 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 itās 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 itās 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 ādevelopmentā with a similar cause to a *different*, "unrelated" thing in Sweden.
Why itās WRONG: Text actually *contrasts* Iceland & Sweden - not āsimilar 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.
š„ Your Winning Guide: How to Crack Function Questions Like a PRO š„
Use this step-by-step process to eliminate wrong answers and nail function questions:
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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").
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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? -
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? -
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.