Exam 5: Thinking Through Paragraph Patterns

Read each paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) Readers now can obtain most books in either traditional printed form or electronic, e-book, form. (2) These two options differ in several ways. (3) The first difference is their portability. (4) Traditional printed texts can be bulky and heavy to lug around, especially when the reader wants to carry several books at one time. (5) E-books, on the other hand, are stored digitally in a slim, lightweight e-reader device such as a Kindle or iPad, so it's much easier for readers to transport multiple books. (6) However, unlike print books, e-books are not suitable for places like the beach or the bathtub, where e-reader devices could be damaged by water. (7) Another difference between printed books and e-books is their price. (8) Paper-and-ink books are usually more expensive because of the costs involved in printing, storing, and distributing them. (9) In contrast, e-books are delivered digitally, so they cost less. (10) A new book that's sold in print form for $24.99 will typically cost only $9.99 in e-book form. (11) A third difference between print books and e-books is readability. (12) Printed books, of course, can be read just about anywhere, but e-books are often difficult to see in brighter light outdoors. (13) Finally, the two options differ in terms of the reading experience they provide. (14) Despite the advantages of e-books, many readers still prefer the sensory pleasures of holding and turning the pages of a printed book, which are missing when reading a text on a screen. (15) Because the pagination of e-book texts differs from those of print texts, it's difficult to refer to specific page numbers during a class or book club meeting. -What two things are being compared and/or contrasted?

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) Because hikers, campers, and others who love the outdoors are likely to encounter a snake, they need to know the main differences between venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. (2) Venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes differ in several ways. (3) Venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes usually have triangle-shaped heads instead of the elongated oval-shaped heads of non-venomous snakes. (5) The eyes of venomous snakes usually have elliptical-shaped pupils instead of the rounded pupils that non-venomous snakes have. (6) Venomous snakes also have fangs, which non-venomous snakes do not have. (7) A snakebite made by a venomous snake will consist of two close-set puncture marks. (8) In contrast, a non-venomous snake's bite mark will look ragged. (9) If the snake is swimming in the water, a venomous snake such as a water moccasin will swim with its entire body visible on the water's surface. (10) However, a non-venomous snake, such as a harmless water snake, will swim with only its head above water. -Does this paragraph compare, contrast, or both?

Each item below is a plan for a paragraph. The details are not in the correct order. Select the letter of the answer that numbers the details in the proper sequence -Earth is a sphere composed of four distinct layers. _____ At the Earth's center is the inner core, which is made of hot, solid metals. ____ Just beneath the crust is the mantle, an 1,800-mile-thick, semi-solid layer that flows, Boils, and sometimes spills out from volcanoes. _____ The part that we see and live on is the Earth's crust, the outer, rocky layer that averages 22 miles deep. _____ Below the mantle is the 1,400-mile-thick outer core, which is made up of liquid metals That are as hot as our Sun.

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) The talent and drive of surfer Lisa Andersen quickly propelled her to the top of her sport. (2) In 1983, thirteen-year-old Andersen paddled a friend's surfboard into the ocean off the coast of Florida's Ormond Beach, caught a breaking wave, and easily rode it to shore. (3) Thrilled to discover this natural talent, she realized that she might have the potential to become a serious female surfer. (4) Soon, in hopes of gaining a competitive edge, she began practicing with only her most skilled male counterparts. (5) In 1987, this strategy paid off when she won the U.S. amateur women's surfing contest. (6) Later that year, Lisa turned professional; by 1992, she was winning major competitions and training for the world championship. (7) Almost immediately, however, news that she was pregnant put any plans to win the 1993 championship on hold. (8) Andersen says that although it cost her one year's title, the birth of her daughter Erica motivated her to go all the way to the top. (9) In 1994, Lisa was crowned world surfing champion, a title she won again in 1995, 1996, and 1997. (10) Today, the four-time winner is credited with inspiring a generation of young women to enter the once male-dominated world of surfing. -Which of the following sentences does NOT contain a transitional expression that indicates time?

Each general statement is followed by several examples. Select the letter of the example that does not clearly illustrate the generalization. -Thanks to vaccines, we have eliminated some terrible, life-threatening diseases.

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) Because hikers, campers, and others who love the outdoors are likely to encounter a snake, they need to know the main differences between venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. (2) Venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes differ in several ways. (3) Venomous snakes such as copperheads and rattlesnakes usually have triangle-shaped heads instead of the elongated oval-shaped heads of non-venomous snakes. (5) The eyes of venomous snakes usually have elliptical-shaped pupils instead of the rounded pupils that non-venomous snakes have. (6) Venomous snakes also have fangs, which non-venomous snakes do not have. (7) A snakebite made by a venomous snake will consist of two close-set puncture marks. (8) In contrast, a non-venomous snake's bite mark will look ragged. (9) If the snake is swimming in the water, a venomous snake such as a water moccasin will swim with its entire body visible on the water's surface. (10) However, a non-venomous snake, such as a harmless water snake, will swim with only its head above water. -What writing pattern does this paragraph employ?

Read each paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) Readers now can obtain most books in either traditional printed form or electronic, e-book, form. (2) These two options differ in several ways. (3) The first difference is their portability. (4) Traditional printed texts can be bulky and heavy to lug around, especially when the reader wants to carry several books at one time. (5) E-books, on the other hand, are stored digitally in a slim, lightweight e-reader device such as a Kindle or iPad, so it's much easier for readers to transport multiple books. (6) However, unlike print books, e-books are not suitable for places like the beach or the bathtub, where e-reader devices could be damaged by water. (7) Another difference between printed books and e-books is their price. (8) Paper-and-ink books are usually more expensive because of the costs involved in printing, storing, and distributing them. (9) In contrast, e-books are delivered digitally, so they cost less. (10) A new book that's sold in print form for $24.99 will typically cost only $9.99 in e-book form. (11) A third difference between print books and e-books is readability. (12) Printed books, of course, can be read just about anywhere, but e-books are often difficult to see in brighter light outdoors. (13) Finally, the two options differ in terms of the reading experience they provide. (14) Despite the advantages of e-books, many readers still prefer the sensory pleasures of holding and turning the pages of a printed book, which are missing when reading a text on a screen. (15) Because the pagination of e-book texts differs from those of print texts, it's difficult to refer to specific page numbers during a class or book club meeting. -Which of the following is NOT a transitional expression used in the paragraph to indicate comparison or contrast?

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) Kudzu is an invasive plant causing great harm in the United States, but it was brought here on purpose and cultivated. (2) In 1876, this Japanese vine with fragrant blossoms was shown at the 100^th anniversary of the United States. (3) Americans were enchanted, and some recommended planting it as a garden plant, animal feed, or erosion control. (4) The trouble was that kudzu grew too well. (5) Known as mile-a-minute vine, it raced over fields, climbing trees and strangling the life out of all greenery in its path. (6) Its roots, which must be destroyed to kill it, run wide and deep. (7) In 1970, the U.S. declared kudzu a weed and in 1997, a noxious weed. (8) This vine that started in the South now covers over 7 million acres, blanketing forests as far North as New England. (9) Incredibly, kudzu is ranked as one of the five worst invasive species in the U.S., ahead of killer bees and Burmese pythons. -Select the number of the topic sentence in the paragraph above.

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) A plate of nachos is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that's very easy to make. (2) First, spread a single layer of medium-thick tortilla chips on a baking sheet. (3) Second, brown ground beef or ground turkey in a skillet and mix in taco seasoning. (4) When the meat is fully cooked, spread it evenly over the tortilla chips. (5) If you like, add a layer of beans or refried beans. (6) Third, sprinkle on a thick layer of shredded cheese. (7) A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds a lot of flavor. (8) The fourth step is to cover the nachos with tin foil and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese melts. (9) Finally, before serving the nachos, add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeno peppers, and enjoy! -How many steps are in this process?

Read paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) A plate of nachos is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that's very easy to make. (2) First, spread a single layer of medium-thick tortilla chips on a baking sheet. (3) Second, brown ground beef or ground turkey in a skillet and mix in taco seasoning. (4) When the meat is fully cooked, spread it evenly over the tortilla chips. (5) If you like, add a layer of beans or refried beans. (6) Third, sprinkle on a thick layer of shredded cheese. (7) A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds a lot of flavor. (8) The fourth step is to cover the nachos with tin foil and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese melts. (9) Finally, before serving the nachos, add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeno peppers, and enjoy! -Give the number of the paragraph's topic sentence.

Read each paragraph below and answer the questions that follow it. (1) If your vehicle plunges off a road or bridge into a body of water and begins to sink, you can survive if you follow a set of steps to escape. (2) First of all, don't panic. (3) You'll need to remain calm to be able to make the right decisions. (4) Second, unbuckle your seatbelt. (5) Third, don't try to open the door; instead, roll down your window. (6) If the window won't open, you'll have to break it by hitting it with a heavy object or kicking it with your feet. (7) Then, if water is not yet rushing in through the open window, climb out and swim away from the sinking vehicle. (8) If water is gushing in too fast for you to get out, you'll have to wait until it fills the car. (9) When the car is about to submerge, take a deep breath and hold it as you go underwater. (10) Finally, swim out through the open window and away from the vehicle. -Which of the following sentences in the paragraph does NOT contain a transitional expression that indicates time?

Each question below is a plan for a paragraph. The details are not in the correct order. Select the letter of the answer that numbers the details in the proper sequence -A childhood love of performing music launched rocker and songwriter Lenny Kravitz on the path to stardom. _____ When his family moved to Los Angeles in 1974, ten-year-old Lenny won a place in the California Boys Choir and taught himself to play many instruments. _____ As a teen, he studied music at the Berkeley Hills School and created the dramatic look for which he is now famous. _____ Before he was ten, he had convinced his parents to take him to concerts by James Brown, Duke Ellington, and the Jackson 5. _____ Lenny and his father produced his first album, Let Love Rule, which won him a Virgin Records contract and huge numbers of fans. ____ As a toddler in Brooklyn, New York, Lenny made his own drum set out of pots and pans.

Below is a plan for a comparison and contrast paragraph. The points of comparison and contrast in the second column do not follow the same order as the points in the first column. Select the answer that correctly numbers the points in the second column to match those in the first.

Each general statement is followed by several examples. Select the letter of the example that does not clearly illustrate the generalization. -In other nations, warnings on tobacco products are more blunt--even disgusting--than the warnings required in the United States.