Structure and Organisation

What is text structure?

• AThe typeface and layout chosen for the page
• BThe total word count of the piece
• CThe average length of each paragraph
• DHow a text is organised and sequenced✓

Answer: Structure is how ideas are organised: chronological, thematic, etc.

What is chronological structure?

• AOrganising points from least to most important
• BArranging details with no fixed pattern
• CReturning at the end to the opening image
• DOrganising events in the order they occur in time✓

Answer: Chronological structure follows time order: first, then, finally.

What is thematic structure?

• AOrganising by topic or theme✓
• BGrouping paragraphs by their physical size
• CAlphabetical sequencing by heading
• DChronological ordering of events

Answer: Thematic structure groups related ideas by topic.

What is spatial structure?

• ARanking ideas from the strongest to the weakest point
• BSetting out events in the sequence they happened
• CClustering material under shared themes
• DOrganising by location or physical arrangement✓

Answer: Spatial structure describes locations: top to bottom, left to right.

What is problem-solution structure?

• ADescribing a setting from one side to the other
• BRecounting events in strict time order
• CPresenting a problem, then exploring solutions✓
• DListing unconnected facts in no set order

Answer: Problem-solution identifies an issue, then proposes answers.

What is compare-contrast structure?

• ASetting out differences and nothing more
• BExamining both similarities and differences✓
• CListing only the features two texts share
• DRanking two texts to say which is better

Answer: Compare-contrast explores how things are similar and different.

What is cause-effect structure?

• APresenting events that have no link to each other
• BShowing how events cause other events✓
• CGrouping ideas under headings by subject
• DListing events by date alone

Answer: Cause-effect shows why things happen and consequences.

What is the purpose of an introduction?

• ATo restate every point made in the main body
• BTo supply the detailed evidence for the argument
• CTo deliver the writer's concluding judgement
• DTo engage readers and introduce main ideas✓

Answer: Introductions hook readers and present the topic.

What is the purpose of body paragraphs?

• ATo hook the reader and set out the topic
• BTo draw the argument to a close
• CTo develop and support main ideas with evidence✓
• DTo add extra length to reach the word count

Answer: Body paragraphs develop main ideas with supporting evidence.

What is the purpose of a conclusion?

• ATo raise a fresh argument the essay has not covered
• BTo grab attention and state the topic
• CTo supply the quotations that prove each point
• DTo summarise key points and reinforce main message✓

Answer: Conclusions summarise, reinforce, and provide closure.

What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

• ATo sum up the paragraph in its closing line
• BTo link one paragraph smoothly to the next
• CTo introduce the main idea of a paragraph✓
• DTo give the paragraph a heading

Answer: Topic sentences state paragraph main idea, usually first.

What is a transition?

• AA punctuation mark separating individually listed items inside sentences
• BA shift from one physical place to another within a written description
• CA grammatical inaccuracy, typically a comma splice joining clauses
• DA word or phrase connecting ideas between sentences or paragraphs✓

Answer: Transitions (however, therefore, next) connect ideas smoothly.

Why are transitions important?

• AThey cut the word count of a piece of writing
• BThey replace the need for topic sentences entirely
• CThey signal a change of speaker in dialogue
• DThey create flow and show logical relationships✓

Answer: Transitions guide readers through logical progression.

What is the effect of a linear structure?

• AIt jumps between timeframes to build suspense
• BIt hides the writer's argument from the reader
• CIt removes the need for any paragraphing
• DIt presents information in clear, sequential order✓

Answer: Linear structure moves straight from beginning to end.

What is the effect of a non-linear structure?

• AIt can engage readers through unexpected sequencing✓
• BIt guarantees that every reader follows the plot easily
• CIt is the plain retelling of events in strict time order
• DIt signals that the writer has lost control

Answer: Non-linear structures (flashbacks, digressions) create interest.

What does coherence mean in writing?

• AIdeas are logically connected and easy to follow✓
• BThe text uses linking words, whatever the logic of the ideas
• CThe vocabulary is deliberately advanced and technical
• DEach sentence stands alone with no link to the next

Answer: Coherence means ideas logically connect and build on each other.

What does cohesion mean?

• AArranging material in no particular order
• BThe overall length of a finished text
• CThe number of different tenses used
• DHow well sentences and paragraphs link together✓

Answer: Cohesion uses transitions and references to link ideas.

What is parallel structure in organisation?

• ARunning two separate storylines that never meet
• BRepeating the same word at the start of consecutive sentences
• CDeliberately varying the layout of every section
• DUsing similar organisational patterns for related ideas✓

Answer: Parallel organisation uses similar patterns for balance.

What is the purpose of subheadings?

• ATo announce the overall title of the whole article
• BTo organise content and help readers navigate✓
• CTo substantiate every supporting claim presented
• DTo decorate otherwise unattractive printed pages

Answer: Subheadings organise content into manageable sections.

What is the purpose of signposting?

• ATo break a long piece into shorter numbered chapters
• BTo hide the writer's line of argument until the ending
• CTo credit the sources a writer has used
• DTo guide readers through text with clear indicators✓

Answer: Signposting (firstly, secondly) guides readers through logic.

How does sentence variety affect structure?

• AOnly sentence openings matter to a reader
• BShort sentences alone produce the strongest writing
• CUniform sentence lengths keep a text well structured
• DVaried sentence length and type create rhythm and interest✓

Answer: Sentence variety maintains reader interest and creates flow.

What is an outline?

• AA skeletal plan showing main ideas and organisation✓
• BA polished draft ready to be handed in for marking
• CA summary written once the piece is finished
• DA detailed paragraph-by-paragraph rewrite of the whole essay

Answer: Outlines organise ideas before writing.

What is the purpose of repetition in organisation?

• ATo emphasise key ideas and create unity✓
• BTo pad out a response that is running too short
• CTo disguise a restricted personal vocabulary
• DTo announce each forthcoming topic change

Answer: Strategic repetition emphasises and unifies ideas.

What does emphasis in organisation mean?

• AHighlighting the most important ideas through placement✓
• BGiving every point exactly the same amount of space
• CAdding an exclamation mark to the end of every claim made
• DListing all of the writer's points in alphabetical order

Answer: Emphasis highlights key ideas through position and treatment.

How can revision improve structure?

• ARevision only corrects spelling and punctuation
• BStructure is fixed once a plan is written
• CIt shortens a piece by cutting out whole sections
• DIt allows rearrangement for better flow and clarity✓

Answer: Revision enables reordering for improved logic and flow.