Digital SATReading and Writing: Craft and StructureMedium
A student is drafting an essay arguing for increased funding for public libraries. They are considering including the following sentence: 'Libraries are not just repositories for books; they are vital community hubs providing free access to information, technology, and educational programs for all demographics.' Where would this sentence be most effective in the essay?
- AIn a counter-argument section, to acknowledge a limitation of libraries.
- BIn the introduction, to establish the essay's central argument.
- CIn a body paragraph, as a supporting detail for a specific program.
- DIn the conclusion, to summarize a minor point about library services.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. In the introduction, to establish the essay's central argument.
The sentence provides a broad, strong statement about the multifaceted value of libraries ('vital community hubs providing free access to information, technology, and educational programs for all demographics'). This effectively establishes the essay's core argument for increased funding by highlighting their widespread benefits, making it ideal for the introduction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The sentence presents a positive and expansive view of libraries, directly contradicting its use in acknowledging a limitation or counter-argument.
- C. While it mentions services, the sentence is too broad and foundational to be merely a supporting detail for a specific program within a body paragraph.
- D. This sentence is a major claim, not a minor point, and would be too significant to merely summarize in a conclusion; it's more suited to introducing the argument.
Thesis Statement
A sentence that expresses the main idea of a research paper or essay. It is often found in the introduction.
- States the essay's purpose.
- Provides a roadmap for the reader.
- Is typically arguable and specific.
Memory trick: Introductions set the stage, Body builds the house, Conclusions wrap it up.