SAT OwlQuestion bank / Text Structure and Purpose
The quilts made by women in Gee's Bend, Alabama, were long regarded, even by many of their makers, as household objects meant for warmth. When a selection was exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in 2002, critics compared their bold, improvised patterns to the work of abstract painters. Many of the quilters welcomed the attention. Some also pointed out that they had developed their designs without any knowledge of modern painting, drawing instead on techniques passed down through generations of women in their community.
Which choice best describes the function of the last sentence in the overall structure of the text?
It explains why the museum chose to exhibit the quilts.
It suggests that the quilters objected to having their work displayed in a museum.
It qualifies the critics' comparison by noting that the quilts grew out of the quilters' own tradition.
It provides evidence that abstract painters were influenced by the Gee's Bend quilts.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
Critics linked the quilts to abstract painting. The last sentence adds the quilters' point that their designs came from a tradition passed down in their own community, not from modern painting. It limits, or qualifies, the critics' comparison, as choice C says.
Choice B is too strong: the text says many quilters welcomed the attention, and the last sentence is about where the designs came from, not an objection to the exhibit.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. The text does not state the museum's reasons for exhibiting the quilts. The sentence focuses on the origin of the designs rather than the curators' motivations.
- B. The passage states that many quilters welcomed the attention. The sentence addresses the source of the designs, not an objection to the museum display.
- D. The text says the quilters had no knowledge of modern painting. It does not claim that abstract painters were influenced by the quilts.
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