a. Choice a is the most logical sentence because it

Organization Questions
Passages on the THEA are always organized logically. Studying that organization may give you some ideas on
how to organize your essay in the Writing portion of the test. You’ll learn about two types of organization
questions: structure and misplaced sentences.
S t r u c t u r e Q u e s t i o n s
Structure questions usually have stems like these:
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Which of the following best represents the arrangement of the passage?
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Which of the following best describes the organi- zation of the passage?
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The sequence of the passage is best represented by which of the following?
Where to Find Structure Answers in the Passage
To answer structure questions, you need to skim the passage carefully enough to discover the gist of each
sentence; that is, whether it is a statistic, an example, a quote, an opinion, or something else.
Practice Passage and Questions
Try the six steps on the structure questions that follow this passage.
Many extended-time programs use heterogeneous grouping of multi-age andor multi-ability students.
Mixed-ability grouping is based on the theory that lower-ability students benefit from working in small
groups with their higher-achieving peers, and high- ability students reinforce their knowledge by sharing
with their lower-achieving peers. Researchers also have found that multi-age grouping benefits stu-
dents’ mental health as well as academic achieve- ment and contributes to positive attitudes toward
school.
Because the voluntary nature of participation in an extended-time program results in a range of
student ages and skills, heterogeneous groups may result naturally. Often, however, extended-time pro-
gram planners arrange groups so that high- and low-ability students work together—with the expec-
tation of cooperative rather than competitive learn- ing. In Chicago’s ASPIRA program, students are
selected for participation with a goal of mixing high achievers and at-risk participants—and these groups
work together closely in all activities.
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T H E A R E A D I N G R E V I E W
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Six Steps for Structure Questions
1. Skim the passage or read the topic sentences to understand the general topic and the purpose of the
passage.
2. Notice the logical sequence of ideas that the author uses. 3. The description of sentences in the answers goes in the same order as the sentences in the passage, so
notice the first sentences. Do they state a theory, introduce a topic, or quote a famous person?
4. Look at the answer choices. If the first few sentences state a theory, then the first part of the correct
answer should say that the author states a theory, gives a hypothesis, or other words to that effect. Elimi- nate any answers that do not match.
5. Apply steps 3 and 4 to the next few sentences in the passage. 6. You should have eliminated at least one or two answers by this step. When only two or three are left,
read the next sentences of the passage and find the answer that matches the rest of the structure.
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