Paragraph Organization - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for mastering paragraph organization and sentence sequencing in Philippine entrance exams
First Word Analysis Strategy
Important facts
- Conjunctions (and, but, so, or) cannot start paragraphs
- Pronouns (he, she, it, they) need antecedents first
- Concluding words (therefore, finally) come at the end
- Proper nouns or complete introductions usually start paragraphs
Key definitions
First Word Rule
Example
Avoid starting with 'But', 'He', 'Therefore'
Never start paragraphs with conjunctions, pronouns, or concluding words
Elimination Method
Example
If sentence starts with 'He', it cannot be first
Cross out options that start with inappropriate first words
Diagrams to know
- Decision tree for first word identification
- Flow of elimination process
Topic Sentence Identification
Important facts
- Topic sentences are usually broad and thematic
- Supporting sentences provide specific details or examples
- All sentences must relate to the main topic
- Look for the sentence that introduces the main subject
Key definitions
Topic Sentence
Example
Broad statement that other sentences elaborate on
The main sentence that defines the theme; all others support it
Support Structure
Example
D supports C, C supports B, B supports A
Each sentence supports the previous one in logical order
Diagrams to know
- Topic sentence hierarchy diagram
- Support sentence flow chart
Coherence Through Word Repetition
Important facts
- Writers repeat key words to maintain topic focus
- Synonyms and related terms create coherence
- Name repetition helps track the main subject
- Technical terms cluster around specific topics
Key definitions
Recurring Words
Example
Using 'Kim' and 'he' to maintain subject continuity
Repeated words or phrases that connect sentences and establish unity
Lexical Cohesion
Example
Brain, cerebellum, MRI scans - medical terminology cluster
Unity achieved through repeated vocabulary and related terms
Diagrams to know
- Word repetition pattern map
- Coherence connection diagram
Transition Words and Pronouns
Common values
Value
and, but, for, so, or, nor, yet
Symbol
FANBOYS
Quantity
Common Conjunctions
Value
after, since, until, when, before
Symbol
T
Quantity
Time Transitions
Value
but, however, although, despite
Symbol
C
Quantity
Contrast Transitions
Important facts
- Conjunctions show logical relationships between ideas
- Pronouns must have clear antecedents in previous sentences
- Transition words indicate time, cause, contrast, or addition
- 'I' and 'you' are exceptions to the pronoun rule
Key definitions
Conjunctions
Example
and, but, for, so, or, nor, yet, after, since, until
Words that connect ideas and establish relationships between sentences
Antecedent
Example
'Kim' is antecedent for 'he' in following sentences
The noun that a pronoun refers back to in previous sentences
Diagrams to know
- Transition word relationship map
- Pronoun-antecedent connection flow
Concluding Sentence Patterns
Common values
Value
therefore, in conclusion, finally, thus
Symbol
CS
Quantity
Conclusion Starters
Value
in brief, to sum up, in summary, conclude
Symbol
SW
Quantity
Summary Words
Important facts
- Concluding sentences always come last in paragraphs
- They synthesize or summarize previous points
- Start with specific concluding signal words
- Provide closure to the paragraph's main idea
Key definitions
Concluding Sentence
Example
Usually starts with 'Therefore', 'In conclusion', 'Finally'
Final sentence that summarizes main points of the paragraph
Summary Indicators
Example
thus, to summarize, in sum, on the whole
Words that signal paragraph conclusion and synthesis
Diagrams to know
- Concluding word identification chart
- Paragraph structure with conclusion placement
Strategic Answer Selection
Important facts
- Use first word analysis to eliminate wrong options
- Apply concluding sentence rules to narrow choices
- Read remaining options for logical flow
- Check pronoun-antecedent relationships in final choices
Key definitions
Process of Elimination
Example
Remove options not starting with identified first sentence
Systematic removal of impossible options based on paragraph rules
Coherence Test
Example
Choose sequence that creates smoothest logical progression
Reading remaining options to find the most logical flow
Diagrams to know
- Elimination strategy flowchart
- Answer selection decision tree
Must remember
- Never start paragraphs with pronouns (except I, you) or conjunctions
- Topic sentences are broad; supporting sentences are specific
- Pronouns need antecedents in previous sentences
- Concluding words (therefore, finally) signal last sentences
- Use process of elimination based on first word rules
- Look for recurring words to identify main topic
- Full names usually appear in first sentences
- Read remaining options for logical coherence
- Transition words show relationships between ideas
- Each sentence should support the previous one logically
Last minute tips
- Quickly scan first words of all sentences to eliminate impossible starting options
- Identify the sentence with full names or complete introductions - likely the first sentence
- Find sentences starting with concluding words - these go last
- Match pronouns with their antecedents to determine sentence order
- When stuck between two options, read both aloud and choose the smoother flow
Comparison tables
Appropriate vs Inappropriate First Words
| Word Type | Can Start Paragraph | Must Come Later | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proper Nouns | Yes | No | Kim, Miss Conchita, Ana Bautista |
| Pronouns | No (except I, you) | Yes | He, She, It, They |
| Conjunctions | No | Yes | And, But, So, Because |
| Concluding Words | No | Yes (last sentence) | Therefore, Finally, Thus |
Transition Word Categories
| Category | Function | Examples | Position in Paragraph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | Add information | and, also, furthermore | Middle sentences |
| Contrast | Show opposition | but, however, although | Middle sentences |
| Conclusion | Summarize points | therefore, thus, finally | Last sentence |
| Time | Show sequence | after, before, when | Any position |
Diagrams
Paragraph Organization Strategy Map
Complete overview of all strategies for paragraph organization questions
Answer Selection Process
Step-by-step process for systematically solving paragraph organization questions
Sentence Position States
Shows the states and transitions that sentences can have within a well-organized paragraph