Organization and Development
What this domain tests
Organization and Development questions ask whether a passage is logically ordered, whether paragraphs have clear main ideas and support, and whether transitions and sentence placement make sense. You are editing for coherence, not just correctness.
Concepts to master
- Main idea and topic sentences: each paragraph should have a controlling idea, usually stated early and supported by details.
- Logical order: chronological, cause-effect, or general-to-specific sequences should be consistent. Watch for a sentence that interrupts the flow.
- Transitions: words like however, therefore, in addition, for example must match the relationship between ideas. A contrast word between similar ideas is an error.
- Relevance: every sentence should support the paragraph's point. Off-topic sentences should be removed or moved.
- Development: claims need evidence, examples, or explanation; a bare assertion may need support.
- Placement: a sentence that introduces or concludes a paragraph belongs at the start or end, not buried in the middle.
Traps to expect
The hardest questions ask where a sentence should go. Test each position by reading the sentences before and after; the sentence must connect to both. Another trap is a transition that sounds sophisticated but signals the wrong relationship (using therefore where however is needed).
Rule of thumb
For placement questions, look for pronouns and repeated key words that the sentence depends on. A sentence beginning "This method..." must follow the sentence that names the method. Worked example: if a sentence says "This approach saved time," it belongs immediately after the sentence describing the approach.
Practice habit
Summarize each paragraph in one sentence; if you cannot, the organization is unclear.