Topic Development & Organization - ACT English
Card 1 of 38
What does "tangential" information mean?
What does "tangential" information mean?
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Information that is only loosely related or digresses from the main point
Information that is only loosely related or digresses from the main point
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When a question asks about "the passage as a whole," what should you consider?
When a question asks about "the passage as a whole," what should you consider?
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The overall purpose, main idea, and structure of the entire passage. Beware trap answers that repeat supporting details!
The overall purpose, main idea, and structure of the entire passage. Beware trap answers that repeat supporting details!
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When is it appropriate to use "In fact" as a transition?
When is it appropriate to use "In fact" as a transition?
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To emphasize or strengthen a point just made, often introducing supporting evidence
To emphasize or strengthen a point just made, often introducing supporting evidence
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A paragraph lists evidence supporting a claim, then presents a counter-argument. What transition should introduce the counter-argument?
A paragraph lists evidence supporting a claim, then presents a counter-argument. What transition should introduce the counter-argument?
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However, "On the other hand," "Admittedly," or "Some might argue" - signals a shift to opposing view
However, "On the other hand," "Admittedly," or "Some might argue" - signals a shift to opposing view
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Two paragraphs both start with "First." What's the problem?
Two paragraphs both start with "First." What's the problem?
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Inconsistent or illogical sequencing - if one uses "First," the next should use "Second" or "Next"
Inconsistent or illogical sequencing - if one uses "First," the next should use "Second" or "Next"
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Which transition words indicate a sequence or continuation?
Which transition words indicate a sequence or continuation?
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Next, Then, Subsequently, Following this, Afterward
Next, Then, Subsequently, Following this, Afterward
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What transition words show that you're adding similar information?
What transition words show that you're adding similar information?
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Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, Also
Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, Also
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What transition words show that you're providing an example?
What transition words show that you're providing an example?
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For example, For instance, Specifically, In particular
For example, For instance, Specifically, In particular
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When should you use "For example" versus "In contrast"?
When should you use "For example" versus "In contrast"?
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Use "For example" to illustrate a point; use "In contrast" to show an opposing idea
Use "For example" to illustrate a point; use "In contrast" to show an opposing idea
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What does "chronological order" mean in writing organization?
What does "chronological order" mean in writing organization?
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Arranging events or information in the order they occurred in time
Arranging events or information in the order they occurred in time
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When is it appropriate to use "Nevertheless" versus "Therefore"?
When is it appropriate to use "Nevertheless" versus "Therefore"?
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Nevertheless shows contrast despite what came before; "Therefore" shows a logical consequence or conclusion
Nevertheless shows contrast despite what came before; "Therefore" shows a logical consequence or conclusion
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What is the difference between a "topic sentence" and a "thesis statement"?
What is the difference between a "topic sentence" and a "thesis statement"?
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Topic sentence introduces the main idea of a single paragraph; thesis statement presents the central argument of the entire essay
Topic sentence introduces the main idea of a single paragraph; thesis statement presents the central argument of the entire essay
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Which words are frequently used to introduce an author's conclusion?
Which words are frequently used to introduce an author's conclusion?
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Therefore, thus, so, consequently
Therefore, thus, so, consequently
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What type of organization does this word convey:
Moreover
What type of organization does this word convey: Moreover
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Continuation of the previous sentence's idea
Continuation of the previous sentence's idea
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What type of organization does this phrase convey:
In contrast
What type of organization does this phrase convey: In contrast
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A difference from the previous sentence's idea
A difference from the previous sentence's idea
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What type of organization does this word convey:
Consequently
What type of organization does this word convey: Consequently
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The effect of a cause-and-effect relationship, or an author's conclusion based on the previous sentence
The effect of a cause-and-effect relationship, or an author's conclusion based on the previous sentence
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What type of organization does this word convey:
Secondly
What type of organization does this word convey: Secondly
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The author is making a second point that agrees with a prior point (and potentially a third and fourth point). Usually all numbered points relate to a larger thesis, argument, or process.
The author is making a second point that agrees with a prior point (and potentially a third and fourth point). Usually all numbered points relate to a larger thesis, argument, or process.
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What type of organization does this word convey:
Thus
What type of organization does this word convey: Thus
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The author is drawing a conclusion, or supplying the effect of a cause-and-effect relationship introduced in a prior sentence.
The author is drawing a conclusion, or supplying the effect of a cause-and-effect relationship introduced in a prior sentence.
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How do these two continuation phrases differ?
For example vs. In addition
How do these two continuation phrases differ? For example vs. In addition
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"For example" introduces an example to support an idea or claim, typically from the prior sentence. "In addition" introduces a second/third/fourth point or idea to support a larger idea or claim, typically the main point of the paragraph or prompt.
"For example" introduces an example to support an idea or claim, typically from the prior sentence. "In addition" introduces a second/third/fourth point or idea to support a larger idea or claim, typically the main point of the paragraph or prompt.
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What type of organization does this word convey: Moreover
What type of organization does this word convey: Moreover
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Continuation of the previous sentence's idea.
Continuation of the previous sentence's idea.
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