Writing: Paragraph Structure and Coherence Flashcards
7 cards from real CAEL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Writing: Paragraph Structure and Coherence flashcards as text
In academic paragraph writing, what is 'thematic progression'?
Answer: The way information builds from sentence to sentence, connecting known and new information
Thematic progression refers to how sentences link by picking up information from the previous sentence and adding new information, creating smooth flow.
What is 'signposting' in academic writing?
Answer: Using language that explicitly guides the reader through the structure and direction of the text
Signposting uses phrases like 'first,' 'this section argues,' or 'as shown above' to orient the reader and signal the essay's organization.
Which type of paragraph organization presents the most important supporting point first, followed by progressively less important points?
Answer: Order of importance (inverted pyramid)
The inverted pyramid or 'order of importance' structure leads with the strongest point to immediately capture the reader's attention and establish the argument.
In a CAEL extended writing response, what should immediately follow a piece of evidence or a quoted idea?
Answer: Analysis or commentary explaining how the evidence supports the argument
Evidence alone is insufficient; analysis must follow to explain the evidence's significance and connect it explicitly to the paragraph's claim.
Which of the following sentences uses hedging language appropriately?
Answer: Remote work appears to improve productivity for many employees, though individual results may vary.
Words like 'appears to,' 'many,' and 'may vary' qualify the claim appropriately, acknowledging limitations rather than overstating the finding.
What does it mean for an academic paragraph to 'develop' its topic sentence?
Answer: To follow the topic sentence with evidence, examples, and analysis that explain and support it
Development means providing relevant evidence and analytical commentary that elaborates on, explains, and substantiates the claim made in the topic sentence.
Which of the following transition phrases is most appropriate for introducing a conclusion or final summary in an academic essay?
Answer: In light of the above
'In light of the above' signals a concluding synthesis, indicating the writer is drawing a conclusion based on the evidence and arguments presented.