Paragraph Structure and Unity: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation
An original TEAS 7-style english practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.
Question
(1) The primary purpose of renewable energy is to reduce the carbon footprint of industrialized nations. (2) Many scientists argue that a transition to solar and wind power is essential to mitigate the effects of global warming. (3) Interestingly, the first practical solar cell was developed at Bell Labs in 1954 and had an efficiency rate of about 6%. (4) However, the logistical challenges of storing energy produced by these renewable sources remain a significant hurdle for widespread adoption. Which of the following sentences from the passage above should be removed to improve the logical flow and focus of the argument?
- A."The primary purpose of renewable energy is to reduce the carbon footprint of industrialized nations."
- B."Many scientists argue that a transition to solar and wind power is essential to mitigate the effects of global warming."
- C."Interestingly, the first practical solar cell was developed at Bell Labs in 1954 and had an efficiency rate of about 6%."Correct
- D."However, the logistical challenges of storing energy produced by these renewable sources remain a significant hurdle for widespread adoption."
Correct answer: C. Sentence 3 should be removed because it introduces a historical anecdote that disrupts the focus on modern renewable energy challenges and goals.
Understanding Paragraph Unity and Logical Flow
On the TEAS 7 English and Language Usage section, you will frequently encounter questions that ask you to identify "irrelevant" or "redundant" sentences. These questions test your ability to distinguish between the main idea of a paragraph and supporting details that might be interesting but do not actually strengthen the specific argument being made.
Why Choice C is the Correct Answer
Sentence 3 is the correct choice for removal because it is an ancillary detail (a "fun fact") that deviates from the paragraph's primary focus.
- The Paragraph's Focus: The passage is discussing the current purpose, importance, and challenges of renewable energy in the context of climate change.
- The Problem with Sentence 3: While the history of solar cells is related to renewable energy, knowing the specific date (1954), the location (Bell Labs), and the efficiency rate (6%) does nothing to move the argument about global warming or logistical storage hurdles forward. It breaks the "flow" between the importance of the transition (Sentence 2) and the obstacles to that transition (Sentence 4).
Analysis of Incorrect Choices
- Sentence 1 (Choice A): This is the topic sentence. It establishes the subject (renewable energy) and the goal (reducing carbon footprints). Removing this would leave the reader without context for the rest of the passage.
- Sentence 2 (Choice B): This provides the "why" behind the topic sentence. It connects renewable energy to the immediate crisis of global warming, providing necessary support for why industrialized nations are making this transition.
- Sentence 4 (Choice D): This sentence provides a crucial counterpoint. A strong argumentative or informative paragraph often presents a challenge or "the other side." This sentence sets up a logical transition to discuss solutions for energy storage.
TEAS Strategy: The "Bridges" Method
When deciding which sentence to delete, look for the "bridge" between sentences.
- Sentences 1 and 2 bridge via the concept of reducing impact/mitigating warming.
- Sentences 2 and 4 bridge via the "Transition vs. Hurdles" relationship (indicated by the transition word "However").
- Sentence 3 stands alone as a historical data point with no bridge connecting it to the sentences before or after it.
Memory Tip for the TEAS
Think of a paragraph like a flight path. The topic sentence is the takeoff, and the supporting sentences are the flight path toward a destination. An irrelevant sentence is like a "scenic detour" that takes the plane off course. If a sentence focuses on history in a paragraph about modern policy, it’s almost always the one that needs to be deleted.
Quick study tip: Always identify the topic sentence first; any sentence that doesn't directly support or transition from that main idea is likely the correct choice for deletion.
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