SAT OwlQuestion bank / Text Structure and Purpose
Pangolins are mammals covered in hard, overlapping scales made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. When threatened, a pangolin rolls itself into a tight ball, tucking its head beneath its tail. In this position, its scales form an armor so tough that even a lion's teeth have trouble breaking through.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To describe how a pangolin's scales help protect it from predators
To explain why lions hunt pangolins more often than they hunt other small animals
To compare pangolin scales with human fingernails in detail
To argue that pangolins should be protected from hunters
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The text describes the pangolin's scales, how it rolls into a ball when threatened, and how the scales then resist even a lion's bite. Its purpose is to show how the scales protect the animal, choice A.
Choice C picks up the fingernail detail, but that comparison only names what the scales are made of.
Why the other choices are wrong
- B. The lion is just an example of a predator that struggles to bite through the scales. The text never says how often lions hunt pangolins.
- C. The fingernail comparison only identifies the scales' material. It isn't a detailed comparison.
- D. The text describes a natural defense and never discusses hunters or protection efforts.
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