McGraw-Hill Education GRE 2019

Main-Point Questions

Main-point questions can be phrased as:

■ “The primary purpose of the passage is to.. .”

■ “The author’s primary purpose is to.. .”

■ “The author is primarily concerned with.. .”

■ “Which of the following would be an appropriate title for the passage?”

The primary purpose of the passage is to

A question the validity of “ocean bleaching”

B explain why “bleaching” occurs

C explain the role of photosynthesis in the process of “bleaching”

D introduce an alternate explanation for “bleaching” and its

implications

E identify the effect of global warming on coral reefs

How to Tackle a Main-Point Question

The answer to any main-point question will encompass the entire scope of the

passage. Oftentimes, there will be choices that provide information that is true

about the passage but that does not fully address the entire purpose of the passage.

To avoid these answers, ask yourself: Does this choice explain the passage as a

whole or just part of the passage?

Let’s review the possible choices with this advice in mind:

■ Choice A. Remember the importance of evidence. The author does not

question whether bleaching occurs. → Incorrect

■ Choice B. This is a trap answer. In the third sentence, the author states:

“Researchers have identified that the culprit for much of this disruption is

coral ‘bleaching,’ which occurs when the algae feeding on the polyps die and

therefore lose their green pigmentation.” Thus the author does explain the

process of bleaching. However, the point of the passage is not to discuss this

process. → Incorrect

■ Choice C. The author does more than just explain the role of photosynthesis

in bleaching; he provides evidence that refutes it. → Incorrect

■ Choice D. This answer successfully addresses the scope of the passage.

The author spends the second paragraph refuting the view that bleaching

occurs because of a disruption of photosynthesis, and concludes by saying

that “these findings... should point scientists toward new directions in

identifying ways to decelerate this bleaching process.” → Correct

■ Choice E. This choice is too broad. Though the author does state that

bleaching is due to global warming, the passage is not primarily concerned

with the effects of global warming. → Incorrect

130 PART 2 ■ GRE ANALYTICAL WRITING AND VERBAL REASONING

02-GRE-Test-2018_107-172.indd 130 13/05/17 11:06 am