Concept 1

Choose a logical sequence for sentences and paragraphs (chronological, cause–effect, compare–contrast, problem–solution).

Core Idea

Place a sentence where the paragraph's pattern stays visible. Time order, cause and effect, comparison, and problem to solution all depend on putting each step next to the one it explains or leads to.

Understanding

Rule: Put each sentence next to the step it explains or leads to. Time order, cause and effect, comparison, and problem-solution all depend on sequence.

  • If a sentence explains a result, it belongs near that result.
  • If it introduces a problem, it should come before the response.
  • Check: test the sentence beside each nearby option, not just by itself.

Step by Step

  1. Identify the paragraph pattern, such as time order or cause and effect.
  2. Notice what the new sentence explains, sets up, or contrasts with.
  3. Test the sentence beside each nearby option, not just by itself.
  4. Choose the position where the logic becomes easiest to follow.

Misconceptions

  • Picking the spot where the sentence sounds interesting instead of where it completes the pattern.
  • Ignoring time markers like "after" or result words like "therefore."
  • Placing an explanation far away from the sentence it is supposed to explain.
Question

Worked Example

A student is drafting a paragraph about a robotics team's redesign:

[1] The team first listed the problems their delivery robot had during hallway tests. [2] They noticed that the robot tipped whenever it turned too quickly. [3] After that, they widened the wheelbase and tested the robot again. [4] The second round of tests showed much steadier turns.

To make the paragraph follow a clear cause-and-effect sequence, where should the sentence "The first round of testing had shown that the robot's narrow base made sharp turns unstable" be placed?

Select an answer to see the explanation