Text Structure and Purpose

SAT Reading and Writing· difficulty 3/5

The Galápagos Islands lie about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and are famous for their extraordinary biological diversity. Their isolation, relatively recent volcanic origin, and varied microclimates have allowed distinct species to evolve on different islands. The most studied of these are Charles Darwin's finches, whose beak shapes vary according to the food sources available on each island.

What is the main purpose of the text?

  • A

    To trace the history of South American exploration.

  • B

    To argue that the Galápagos should be designated a protected area.

  • C

    To compare the Galápagos with the Hawaiian Islands.

  • D

    To describe what makes the Galápagos a setting of unusual biological diversity.

    check_circle

Explanation

The text describes the islands' diversity-producing features and offers an example. B captures the descriptive purpose.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions