Question 1

In contrast to the main idea of a paragraph, the controlling idea in a textbook section typically
A) is more specific.
B) is more comprehensive.
C) requires fewer supporting details.
D) uses only facts and statistics as support.

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

In most textbooks, the progression of ideas typically goes from
A) general to particular.
B) small to large.
C) limited to comprehensive.
D) inductive to deductive.

Accepted Answer

Textbooks often start with general concepts before delving into more specific examples or details, helping students understand the broader context before focusing on particular instances.

Question 3

The primary purpose of an example is to
A) show how a concept can be applied in a real situation.
B) give reasons to support the writer's opinion.
C) compare and contrast two different ideas.
D) persuade the reader to accept an idea.

Accepted Answer

Examples are primarily used to illustrate how a concept works in practice, making it easier for the reader to understand its application in real-world situations.

Question 4

An author who wants to help readers create a mental picture of an object, place, or process would use
A) reasons.
B) descriptions.
C) research citations.
D) facts and statistics.

Accepted Answer

Descriptions are used by authors to help readers visualize or understand an object, place, or process by providing detailed information and imagery.

Question 5

Alex is writing a term paper for his botany class in which he defines the word monocot. According to the standard pattern, the first part of his definition should
A) explain that monocots belong to the general class of plants.
B) describe the characteristics of monocots.
C) give examples of various types of monocots.
D) explain how monocots differ from other plants, such as dicots.

Accepted Answer

The first part of defining a term, especially in a scientific context like botany, typically involves situating the term within a broader category or class to provide context. In this case, explaining that monocots belong to the general class of plants helps to contextualize monocots within the larger realm of plant biology before delving into more specific characteristics, differences, or examples.

Question 6

The topic most likely to be developed using the comparison-contrast pattern is
A) the two types of leaders found in organizations.
B) the parts and functions of the human ear.
C) how to discover a novel's theme.
D) the purpose and content of a résumé.

Accepted Answer

The comparison-contrast pattern is best suited for discussing two types of leaders found in organizations, as it allows for examining the similarities and differences between the two types. This pattern is specifically designed to highlight how two or more things are alike (comparison) and how they are different (contrast), making it ideal for discussing different categories or types of a subject, such as leadership styles.

Question 7

The topic most likely to be developed using the classification pattern is
A) the consequences of overcrowded classrooms.
B) how children learn language.
C) types of mental illness.
D) the life cycle of a butterfly.

Accepted Answer

Classification pattern involves organizing information into categories or types, making "types of mental illness" the topic best suited for this pattern.

Question 8

The transitional phrase that indicates the cause-effect pattern is
A) for example.
B) as well as.
C) by contrast.
D) as a result.

Accepted Answer

"As a result" is a transitional phrase that indicates a cause-effect relationship, showing the effect of a given cause.

Question 9

The transitional word that indicates the listing pattern is
A) both.
B) first.
C) unlike.
D) because.

Accepted Answer

"First" is a transitional word that indicates the beginning of a list or sequence, suggesting that more points or items will follow.

Question 10

The controlling idea in a textbook section is
A) discussed only in the introductory paragraph.
B) the most specific detail included by the writer.
C) the most important thought that is explained throughout the section.
D) less comprehensive than the main idea of a paragraph.

Accepted Answer

The controlling idea in a textbook section is the central theme or main point that is developed and explained throughout the section, guiding the content and organization of the material.

Question 11

The type of supporting information that is used to show how a principle can be applied in a real situation consists of
A) statistics.
B) examples.
C) reasons.
D) research.

Accepted Answer

Examples are used to show how a principle can be applied in real situations by illustrating specific instances where the principle is at work.

Question 12

The primary purpose of a description is to
A) explain why the writer supports a belief or action.
B) lend support for a particular viewpoint.
C) make an idea practical and understandable.
D) help the reader create a mental picture.

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of a description is to help the reader visualize or understand something by creating a mental picture through the use of detailed observations and descriptions.

Question 13

Typically, the first part of a term's definition provides
A) the general class or group that the term belongs to.
B) distinguishing characteristics of the term.
C) applications or examples describing the term.
D) the appropriate context for the term.

Accepted Answer

The first part of a term's definition typically identifies the general class or group that the term belongs to, setting the stage for further details or distinguishing characteristics that follow.

Question 14

A transitional phrase typically associated with the definition thought pattern is
A) as a result.
B) refers to.
C) in spite of.
D) in addition

Accepted Answer

"Refers to" is commonly used in the definition thought pattern to indicate that an explanation or definition of a term or concept is about to be given.

Question 15

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph.
-An orexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by a pathological fear of weight gain.
A) definition
B) comparison-contrast
C) time sequence
D) listing

Accepted Answer

The topic sentence introduces the subject of anorexia nervosa by stating what it is, which suggests that the paragraph will likely continue to define or explain the disorder further, fitting the definition pattern.

Question 16

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph.
-A person accused of a crime may pass through six stages in the American criminal justice system.
A) cause-effect
B) comparison-contrast
C) time sequence
D) Definition

Accepted Answer

The sentence suggests a progression through stages, which implies a chronological order or time sequence.

Question 17

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph.
-High blood pressure has been associated with a variety of risk factors.
A) cause-effect
B) comparison-contrast
C) time sequence
D) definition

Accepted Answer

The sentence suggests a relationship between high blood pressure and its risk factors, indicating a cause-effect pattern.

Question 18

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph.
-The Mayan pyramids were like the Egyptian pyramids in several ways.
A) Classification
B) cause-effect
C) time sequence
D) comparison-contrast

Accepted Answer

The sentence suggests a paragraph that will explore similarities (and possibly differences) between Mayan and Egyptian pyramids, which aligns with a comparison-contrast pattern.

Question 19

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph.
-People identify their territory with three types of markers.
A) Definition
B) classification
C) comparison-contrast
D) cause-effect

Accepted Answer

The topic sentence suggests that the paragraph will discuss different categories or types of markers people use to identify their territory, which aligns with a classification thought pattern.

Question 20

Read each textbook excerpt and then answer the questions that follow.
Earth supports an amazing diversity of flowering plants, from tender marigolds to prickly rose bushes, from short grasses to towering oaks. Overall, however, all flowering plants can be placed into one of two large groups, called monocots and dicots. Monocots include lilies, daffodils, tulips, palm trees, and a wide variety of grasses (not only the familiar lawn grasses but also wheat, rice, corn, oats, and bamboo). Dicots include virtually all "broad-leafed" plants, such as deciduous trees and bushes, most vegetables, and many flowers in fields and gardens.
-The primary organizational pattern used in this excerpt is
A) time sequence.
B) classification.
C) listing.
D) cause-effect.

Accepted Answer

The excerpt organizes flowering plants into two large groups, monocots and dicots, which is a form of classification.

Quiz 9: Following Thought Patterns

In contrast to the main idea of a paragraph, the controlling idea in a textbook section typically

In most textbooks, the progression of ideas typically goes from

The primary purpose of an example is to

An author who wants to help readers create a mental picture of an object, place, or process would use

Alex is writing a term paper for his botany class in which he defines the word monocot. According to the standard pattern, the first part of his definition should

The topic most likely to be developed using the comparison-contrast pattern is

The topic most likely to be developed using the classification pattern is

The transitional phrase that indicates the cause-effect pattern is

The transitional word that indicates the listing pattern is

The controlling idea in a textbook section is

The type of supporting information that is used to show how a principle can be applied in a real situation consists of

The primary purpose of a description is to

Typically, the first part of a term's definition provides

A transitional phrase typically associated with the definition thought pattern is

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph. -An orexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by a pathological fear of weight gain.

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph. -A person accused of a crime may pass through six stages in the American criminal justice system.

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph. -High blood pressure has been associated with a variety of risk factors.

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph. -The Mayan pyramids were like the Egyptian pyramids in several ways.

For each of the following topic sentences, write the letter of the choice that indicates the thought pattern most likely to be used in the paragraph. -People identify their territory with three types of markers.