Key Takeaways
- Paragraphs need topic sentences, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences
- Topic sentences should be specific and focused, not too broad or narrow
- Transitions connect ideas and show relationships (addition, contrast, cause/effect)
- Cohesion techniques include repeating key terms, using pronouns, and maintaining consistency
- Sentences within paragraphs should follow a logical order appropriate to the purpose
Paragraph Organization and Cohesion
Effective paragraphs have clear organization and logical flow. The TEAS tests your ability to recognize well-structured paragraphs and improve cohesion in writing.
Paragraph Structure
A well-organized paragraph contains:
| Component | Function | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Topic sentence | States main idea | Usually first |
| Supporting sentences | Develop the main idea | Middle |
| Concluding sentence | Summarizes or transitions | Last |
Topic Sentences
The topic sentence presents the paragraph's main idea and controls what follows.
Strong topic sentences:
- Make a specific, focused claim
- Are neither too broad nor too narrow
- Set up expectations for the paragraph
Examples:
| Quality | Example |
|---|---|
| Too broad | Healthcare is important. |
| Too narrow | Aspirin contains 325 mg of acetylsalicylic acid. |
| Just right | Regular handwashing is the most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections. |
Paragraph Patterns
| Pattern | Purpose | Transitions |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Events in time order | First, then, next, finally |
| Spatial | Physical arrangement | Above, below, beside, nearby |
| Order of importance | Most to least (or reverse) | Most importantly, primarily, also |
| Compare/Contrast | Similarities and differences | Similarly, in contrast, however |
| Cause/Effect | Why and what results | Because, therefore, as a result |
| Problem/Solution | Issue and resolution | The problem is..., one solution is... |
Transition Words and Phrases
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Addition | also, furthermore, in addition, moreover |
| Contrast | however, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet |
| Cause/Effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, because |
| Time sequence | first, then, next, finally, subsequently |
| Example | for example, for instance, specifically, such as |
| Emphasis | indeed, in fact, certainly, most importantly |
| Conclusion | in conclusion, ultimately, in summary, finally |
Cohesion Techniques
1. Repeat Key Terms Use the same or related words to connect ideas.
2. Use Pronouns Replace nouns with pronouns to avoid repetition while maintaining connection.
- "The patient arrived at 8 AM. She was immediately taken to triage."
3. Use Transitional Expressions Connect ideas with appropriate transitions.
- "The medication was effective. However, it caused side effects."
4. Use Parallel Structure Repeat grammatical patterns for related ideas.
- "The nurse checked vitals, administered medication, and documented care."
5. Maintain Consistent Point of View Don't shift between first, second, and third person unnecessarily.
Identifying Paragraph Problems
| Problem | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of topic sentence | Main idea unclear | Paragraph jumps into details |
| Irrelevant sentences | Information doesn't support topic | Off-topic facts inserted |
| Missing transitions | Ideas don't connect smoothly | Abrupt shifts between ideas |
| Illogical order | Sequence doesn't make sense | Steps out of order |
| Weak conclusion | Paragraph ends abruptly | No summary or wrap-up |
Improving Paragraph Flow
Example of poor cohesion: "Hand hygiene prevents infections. Gloves should be changed between patients. The hospital policy requires training. Many infections are preventable."
Improved version: "Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent hospital-acquired infections. According to hospital policy, staff must wash hands and change gloves between patients. These practices are reinforced through required training. As a result, many preventable infections can be avoided."
Logical Order Within Paragraphs
Information should progress logically:
- From general to specific
- From known to unknown
- From simple to complex
- From cause to effect
- Chronologically (when describing processes)
TEAS Question Types
| Question Type | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Best topic sentence | Identifying appropriate main ideas |
| Sentence placement | Where a sentence belongs logically |
| Missing transition | What connector is needed |
| Irrelevant sentence | Which sentence doesn't belong |
| Best conclusion | Appropriate ending for paragraph |
Which sentence would best serve as a topic sentence for a paragraph about medication safety?
Which transition word would best connect these sentences? "The patient followed the treatment plan. _____, her condition improved significantly."
In a paragraph about the steps of taking blood pressure, which organizational pattern would be most appropriate?