Analyzing the Structure of Paragraphs

After determining the subject/topic of the text as well as the subject/topic's connection to the details you should...

• Highlight the main idea within the paragraph

• Write the main idea off on the side of the paragraph

• Box in the rest of the details

• Circle the most repeated words or phrases

After determining the overall main idea of the text and in order to identify the author's purpose of the informational text you should...

• identify the text structure

• identify the figurative language

• paraphrase each paragraph

• illustrate the text structure

How do paragraphs 1 and 2 contribute to the structure of the article "Nature vs. Nurture" as a whole?

• They describe a problem and give a possible solution that the author will explain in detail.

• They introduce an argument that the author will then support with several reasons.

• They provide two opposing opinions that the author will continue to analyze.

• They present a sequence of events caused by a situation that the author will later describe.

Which two phrases from paragraph 2 best support the answer that it contribute to the structure of the article "Nature vs. Nurture" as a whole?

• "On the other hand"

• "Important factors"

• "making us who we are"

• "Based on their view"

• "For example'"

The way the author decides to organize ideas determines how each part supports and relates to others is called..

• text structure

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

• cause and effect

How does the information in the last two paragraphs of "The Discovery of DNA's Structure" contribute to the central idea of the article?

• It shows how the scientists depended on each other's work to make their final discovery.

• It proves the accuracy of the author's claim that the young scientists were quite brash.

• It explains the makeup of the DNA mage known as "Exposure 51".

• It emphasizes why Franklin and Wilkins believed that the X-ray image would inspire other scientists.

How does the text structure in the second paragraph contribute to the account as a whole in "It's All in Our DNA"?

• The author presents the problem of people like Kate not knowing why they look different and then gives the solution.

• The author uses cause and effect to explain how genes can cause some family members to have different traits from the others.

• The author list the sequence of events that allows recessive genes to surface instead of dominant ones.

• The author compares and contrast brown-eyed and brown-haired individuals with those that have blue eyes and red hair.

What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

• To introduce the main idea of the paragraph

• To provide evidence for the main idea

• To conclude the paragraph

• To transition to the next paragraph

Which of the following best describes a supporting detail in a paragraph?

• A sentence that introduces a new topic

• A sentence that provides evidence or examples

• A sentence that concludes the paragraph

• A sentence that transitions to the next paragraph

How does a concluding sentence function in a paragraph?

• It introduces a new idea

• It summarizes the main point

• It provides a counterargument

• It asks a question