Digital SATReading and Writing: Craft and StructureMedium
A research paper discusses the impact of deforestation on local ecosystems. The author describes the loss of specific plant species, the displacement of animal populations, and the resulting soil erosion. Which of the following best describes the organizational pattern of this discussion?
- AProblem-Solution
- BDescriptive
- CCause and Effect
- DCompare and Contrast
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Cause and Effect
The passage describes deforestation (the cause) and then details its consequences: loss of species, displacement of animals, and soil erosion (the effects). This directly aligns with a cause and effect organizational pattern.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Problem-Solution would introduce deforestation as a problem and then propose solutions, which is not described here.
- B. Descriptive focuses on sensory details and characteristics, which is part of the explanation but not the overall structure.
- D. Compare and Contrast would discuss similarities and differences between two or more subjects, not a single cause and its effects.
Cause and Effect
A text structure that explains how one event or circumstance (the cause) leads to another (the effect).
- Often uses transition words like 'because,' 'as a result,' 'consequently,' 'therefore.'
- Can have a single cause with multiple effects, or multiple causes leading to one effect.
- Helps readers understand relationships between events or phenomena.
Memory trick: Text structures organize ideas like building blocks in a story or report.