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Verbal Ability lesson

Paragraph Organization and Reading Comprehension

Put jumbled sentences in order using the topic sentence, signal words and pronoun links, then answer reading questions by finding the evidence in the text.

35 min read · Professional and Sub-Professional

What it is

This lesson covers two related skills.

  • Paragraph organization: you get five jumbled sentences (labeled I to V or A to E). You choose the correct order, or answer which sentence comes first, second, last, and so on.
  • Reading comprehension: you read a short passage, then answer questions about its main idea, its details, what it suggests, the meaning of a word, or the writer's purpose.

Both depend on one idea: a good paragraph develops one main idea, and every sentence has a job.

Why it matters on the exam

In the practice tests, paragraph and reading items come in sets of four or five questions that share one text. One misunderstanding can cost you a whole set; one careful reading can earn you the whole set.

At work, you read memos, notices and reports every day. Finding the main point and separating what is stated from what is only suggested are the same skills.

Rule 1 of 6The three jobs of sentences in a paragraph
A paragraph develops ONE main idea. The topic sentence states it; it is usually first, but it can come in the middle or at the end. Supporting sentences give explanations, facts, evidence or examples. The concluding sentence sums up or calls for action (signals: thus, therefore, that is why, in conclusion).
Worked example 1 of 4Arrange the sentences: a process paragraph
Choose the best order.
A. Then, pay the fee at the cashier and keep the official receipt.
B. If you follow these steps, you can usually leave with the document within an hour.
C. Getting a barangay clearance takes only a few simple steps.
D. Show the receipt and a valid ID to the clerk, who will print your clearance.
E. First, fill out the request form at the front desk of the barangay hall.
  1. C – E – A – D – B
  2. E – A – D – B – C
  3. C – A – E – D – B
  4. C – E – D – A – B
  5. E – C – A – D – B
Step 1 · Label the sentencesC is general (it introduces the steps). E, A and D are steps. B sums up ("these steps").
Read the full lesson

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In the full lesson

  • How to recognize it on the test
  • What to look for (5 checks)
  • All 6 rules and tools
  • 4 worked examples, every step explained
  • 7 common mistakes and how to fix them
  • 4 exam techniques
  • Remember: 5 key points
  • Practice questions with explanations, and your progress saved
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More Verbal Ability lessons

ReviewTayo has 47 lessons that follow the official scope of the exam, each with rules, worked examples, common mistakes and practice. Open one and read the first part.

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