Paragraph Organization and Development Flashcards
7 cards from real Writing and Editing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Paragraph Organization and Development flashcards as text
What is the term for words or phrases like 'however,' 'furthermore,' and 'as a result' that signal relationships between sentences?
Answer: Transitional expressions
Transitional expressions signal the logical relationship between ideas — contrast, addition, cause-effect — helping readers follow the writer's reasoning.
In the 'block method' of comparison/contrast organization, how are the subjects arranged?
Answer: All points about Subject A are presented first, then all points about Subject B
The block method covers all aspects of one subject completely before moving on to cover all aspects of the second subject.
What does it mean when a paragraph 'lacks development'?
Answer: The supporting details are insufficient to fully explain or prove the main idea
An underdeveloped paragraph states a main idea but provides too little explanation, evidence, or analysis to fully support it.
A paragraph that explains why something happened and what resulted from it is using which organizational pattern?
Answer: Cause and effect
Cause and effect paragraphs explore the reasons something occurred (causes) and the outcomes that followed (effects).
What is the purpose of a 'clincher sentence' at the end of a body paragraph?
Answer: To provide a final, memorable conclusion that reinforces the paragraph's point
A clincher sentence delivers a strong, conclusive ending to a paragraph, reinforcing the main idea and creating a sense of closure before the reader moves on.
Which of the following describes 'point-by-point' organization in a comparison/contrast paragraph?
Answer: Alternating between Subject A and Subject B for each specific point of comparison
Point-by-point organization addresses one aspect of comparison at a time, switching between both subjects for each individual point.
When a paragraph develops an idea by explaining what it is AND distinguishing it from similar concepts, the writer is using which technique?
Answer: Extended definition
Extended definition expands a term's meaning beyond a dictionary entry by describing its characteristics, providing examples, and clarifying misconceptions.