A good writer does more than put grammatically correct sentences on paper. They organize their work in such a way that their argument or overall purpose is coherent and effective. To best prepare for the PERT, you must learn the fundamentals of organization.
Essentials of Organized Writing
Organization and coherence questions test your ability to logically arrange ideas within sentences and paragraphs. You’ll be asked to:
Rearrange Paragraphs
- Some questions might ask you to select the best sequence for sentences in a paragraph to improve clarity. For instance, a conclusion sentence should come after evidence has been provided, not before.
Add Transitions
- You’ll be asked to choose the best transition word or phrase to link ideas together smoothly. For example, words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” are used to clarify relationships between sentences or paragraphs.
Identify Topic Sentences
- These questions may ask you to identify the most effective topic sentence for a paragraph. The topic sentence should clearly introduce the main idea.
Deep Dive: Tackling Transitions
Transitions are words and phrases that help link ideas together in writing. They can indicate cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or the sequence of events. Using transitions effectively will make your writing smoother and more coherent.
Here are some common transitions and their usage:
Addition
- Words like “also,” “furthermore,” and “in addition” are used to add more information.
- Example: “I went to the store. In addition, I stopped by the bank.”
Cause and Effect
- Words like “because,” “therefore,” and “as a result” indicate that one thing causes another.
- Example: “She didn’t study; therefore, she didn’t pass the exam.”
Comparison
- Use transitions like “similarly,” “likewise,” or “in the same way” to show that two ideas are alike.
- Example: “Both cats and dogs make great pets. Similarly, they both require regular exercise.”
Contrast
- Transitions like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “nevertheless” show a contrast between two ideas.
- Example: “The weather was sunny; however, it started raining later.”
Sequence or Time
- Words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” indicate the order of events.
- Example: “First, we need to gather materials. Then, we can start the project.”
Conclusion
- Words like “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” and “ultimately” are used to wrap up ideas or signal the end of an argument.
- Example: “In conclusion, a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health.”
Key Tip: When studying transitions, try to categorize them based on their function (e.g. adding information, showing contrast). Practice using them in sentences to see how they connect ideas.
Key Tip: When ordering sentences or paragraphs, focus on logical progression and clarity. Ensure each idea builds on the one before, and use transition words like “therefore” and “however” to maintain a smooth flow between ideas.