An SAT Reading & Writing micro-topic under Text Structure and Purpose (Craft and Structure). Free to read — no account needed.
A too-broad choice describes the passage as a whole instead of the narrow thing the question targets. It covers more ground than the question is actually asking about. Because it is usually accurate about the passage, it can feel right even though it misses the point.
Passage: Maria had always been nervous about public speaking. For weeks she practiced her science presentation in front of the mirror every night. When the day came, she walked to the front of the class and spoke clearly and calmly. Question: What does the underlined sentence mainly show? Choice A: It describes Maria's whole journey to overcome her fear of public speaking. Choice B: It shows that Maria's practice paid off in a calm, confident delivery. Choice A is too broad, because it covers the entire story rather than the underlined moment, so Choice B is correct.
To catch these, first decide exactly what the question points to — here, the underlined sentence. Then reject any choice that could just as easily describe the whole passage. A quick test: if a choice would still be true even with the underlined sentence removed, it is too broad.
Worked examples
Passage: The city park was usually quiet on weekday mornings. A few joggers passed by, and pigeons pecked at crumbs near the benches. Then a marching band arrived and filled the park with music. Question: What does the underlined sentence mainly do? Choice A: It describes a calm, ordinary morning in the city park. Choice B: It marks a lively change to the park's quiet morning. Choice A is too broad, because it describes the park's general mood rather than the underlined sentence, so Choice B is correct.
Passage: Ben spent all summer building a small wooden boat in his garage. He sanded every board and painted the hull bright blue. On the first day of autumn, he finally launched it on the lake. Question: What does the underlined sentence mainly do? Choice A: It describes Ben's whole summer project of building a boat. Choice B: It shows the moment Ben's finished boat is finally put to use. Choice A is too broad, because it covers the entire project rather than the underlined moment, so Choice B is correct.
Passage: The bakery on Main Street was known for its fresh bread. Every morning, a line formed outside before the doors even opened. One winter, the owner began giving away unsold loaves to a nearby shelter. Question: What does the underlined sentence mainly do? Choice A: It describes how popular and busy the bakery was. Choice B: It highlights a generous new choice the owner made. Choice A is too broad, because it describes the bakery in general rather than the underlined sentence, so Choice B is correct.
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