Strategy: Add/Delete, Ordering, and Transitions

Add/Delete Questions: The Two-Step Method

These questions present a sentence and ask: "Should the writer make this addition here?"

Step 1 — Decide YES or NO based on whether the sentence is relevant to the paragraph's main point. This eliminates two choices immediately.

Step 2 — Pick the correct reasoning. Both YES options and both NO options will have different justifications. Choose the one that accurately describes why.

Common Traps

• Interesting but irrelevant: A sentence might be a fascinating fact, but if it doesn't support the paragraph's focus, the answer is NO.
• True but misplaced: The information might belong in the essay but not at this specific location. The answer is still NO for this particular placement.
• The reasoning matters: Sometimes both YES choices are tempting, but one gives a reason that doesn't match what the sentence actually does. Read the reasoning carefully.

Sentence Placement Strategy

When asked "Where should this sentence be placed?", use the anchor method:

1. Read the sentence carefully. Identify its anchors — specific references to other ideas, transitions ("however," "for example"), or pronouns that need antecedents.
2. Find where those anchors connect. If the sentence says "This technique," it must come after the technique is introduced. If it says "However," the previous sentence must present a contrasting idea.
3. Test your placement by reading the paragraph with the sentence inserted. Does the flow feel natural?

Paragraph Ordering Strategy

1. Find the introduction paragraph — it sets up the topic broadly, doesn't reference details from other paragraphs.
2. Find the conclusion paragraph — it wraps up, reflects, or looks forward.
3. Chain the middle paragraphs — look for chronological order, cause-effect relationships, or references that require prior context ("As mentioned earlier," "This same principle").

Transition Strategy

Transitions signal the relationship between ideas:

Relationship	Transitions
Addition	furthermore, moreover, in addition, also
Contrast	however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely
Cause/Effect	consequently, therefore, as a result, thus
Example	for instance, for example, specifically, in particular
Sequence	first, next, subsequently, finally
Concession	although, despite, admittedly, granted

The ACT trap: Choosing a transition that sounds sophisticated but signals the wrong relationship. "Furthermore" (addition) and "however" (contrast) are both common, but they mean opposite things. Read the sentences before and after to identify whether ideas are being continued, contrasted, or explained.