The Red Flags in Text Overall Structure Questions

Hey SAT students! After breaking down hundreds of practice questions with my students, I've identified the most common trap answers in text structure questions. Let's dive into these sneaky distractors and learn how to avoid them!

Most Common Trap Types in Text Structure Questions

1. False Evolution Trap

Makes it seem like things changed over time
Often uses words like "developed," "evolved," "gradually"
Why it's tempting: Passages often discuss changes, but in understanding rather than time

2. Method Focus Trap

Emphasizes how research was done
Focuses on techniques or procedures
Why it's tempting: Methods are mentioned but aren't the main structure

3. Extreme Position Trap

Overstates the text's stance
Uses strong words like "proves," "completely," "incorrect"
Why it's tempting: Passages challenge views but rarely totally reject them

4. Partial Focus Trap

Captures one part of the structure but misses others
Often focuses on interesting details
Why it's tempting: Everything mentioned is true, just incomplete

Let's See These Traps in Action!

"Scientists long believed that human decision-making relied primarily on logical reasoning and conscious thought. However, recent neurological studies have revealed that emotions play a crucial role in this process. Research using brain imaging technology shows that patients with damaged emotional centers struggle to make even simple decisions, despite intact logical reasoning abilities. These findings suggest that effective decision-making requires both emotional and rational processes working in concert, challenging the traditional divide between reason and emotion."

A) It challenges a traditional understanding by presenting new evidence and explaining its implications.

(Correct Answer) This accurately captures all three parts of the structure: original view of logical reasoning → new evidence about emotions → revised understanding of decision-making process.

B) It traces how scientific understanding of decision-making has gradually evolved from simple to complex models.

(Trap Type: False Evolution) Creates a false timeline of gradual change. The passage presents a direct challenge to previous understanding, not a gradual evolution.

C) It describes how brain imaging technology has revolutionized the study of human cognition.

(Trap Type: Method Focus) Emphasizes the research tool (brain imaging) rather than the conceptual structure of challenging previous understanding.

D) It proves that traditional theories about human decision-making were completely wrong.

(Trap Type: Extreme Position) Overstates the passage's position. The text shows that both emotion and reason are important, not that traditional views were entirely wrong.

How to Avoid These Traps 🚫

1. For False Evolution Traps

Ask: Is the passage really about change over time?
Check: Does it contrast views or show progression?

2. For Method Focus Traps

Ask: Is how the research was done central to the structure?
Remember: Methods support points but rarely are the main focus

3. For Extreme Position Traps

Look for nuanced language in the passage
Be suspicious of absolutes in answer choices

4. For Partial Focus Traps

Always map all three parts of the structure
Check if the answer captures the complete movement

Pro Tips for Success 🎯

First Read Strategy

Identify the main structural moves
Don't get caught up in interesting details

Language Alert

Watch for extreme words in answer choices
Look for time-related words that might signal False Evolution traps

Complete Movement Check

Make sure your answer captures beginning, middle, and end
Don't settle for partially correct answers

Practice Exercise

Read the passage
Map its three-part structure
Identify trap elements in wrong answers
Choose the most complete, balanced option

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