Paragraph Development Flashcards

Which sentence best functions as a topic sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of reading daily?

Answer: Reading every day improves vocabulary, focus, and overall cognitive health.

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph, and this choice names specific benefits that the paragraph will develop.

A student writes a paragraph about climate change but includes a sentence about the history of the printing press. This is an example of:

Answer: An irrelevant detail that breaks paragraph unity

Every sentence in a unified paragraph must relate to the topic sentence; unrelated information destroys unity.

What is the primary purpose of a concluding sentence in a body paragraph?

Answer: To wrap up the paragraph's idea and signal its completion

A concluding sentence closes the paragraph by summarizing or reinforcing its main idea without simply copying the topic sentence.

Which of the following best describes 'paragraph coherence'?

Answer: Sentences flow logically and connect smoothly to one another

Coherence means ideas are organized logically and linked with transitions so the paragraph reads smoothly.

A writer wants to show contrast between two ideas within a paragraph. Which transition word is most appropriate?

Answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or shift in direction between two ideas.

In the MEAL plan for paragraph writing, what does the 'A' stand for?

Answer: Analysis

MEAL stands for Main idea, Evidence, Analysis, and Link; the 'A' prompts writers to analyze or explain their evidence.

Which organizational pattern arranges details from least important to most important?

Answer: Order of importance (climactic order)

Climactic (or emphatic) order builds from the weakest point to the strongest, leaving the most impactful detail last.