[CliffsTestPrep] American BookWorks Corporation - CliffsTestPrep PCAT_ 5 Practice Tests (2006, Cliffs Notes)

Part I: Introduction
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Use a synonym.
According to research, physical beauty is still considered a more important asset for women than for men. Looks
are everything, according to women interviewed, while men felt that social status was at least as important as
their appearance.
Use word patterns, such as first, second, third, and so on.
The reasons for the dean’s announcing a decision today are clear. First, students will recognize that they have
been heard. Second, faculty will applaud the end of a disruptive period of indecision. Third, though not particularly
pleased by all the details of the plan, they will be overjoyed that the controversy will be off the front
page of the paper.
Use transitional words and phrases. Many words and phrases signal connections between sentences in a paragraph
or between paragraphs in a paper. Look at the italicized words in the following sentences:
The main character worships her. Later, his adoration turns to hatred.
The manor house stood at the top of the hill. Below stretched miles of orchards.
Modern literary critical theory can be confusing. For example, deconstruction theory seems to say the text
means the opposite of what it says.
The product promised he would grow new hair. But all he grew was a rash.
In the preceding examples, the italicized words or phrases explicitly connect the second sentence to the first by creating
a particular relationship. Vary the transitional words you use.
Following is a list of words classified according to the relationships they suggest:
Time or place: above, across from, adjacent to, afterward, before, behind, below, beyond, earlier, elsewhere,
farther on, here, in the distance, near by, next to, opposite to, to the left, to the right
Example: for example, for instance, specifically, to be specific
Contrast: but, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, to the contrary
Similarity: similarly, in the same way, equally important
Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore
Emphasis: indeed, in fact, of course
Amplification: and, again, also, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, too
Restatement: in other words, more simply stated, that is, to clarify
Summary and conclusion: altogether, finally, in conclusion, in short, to summarize
Connecting Paragraphs in an Essay
Your essay should move from paragraph to paragraph smoothly, each point growing out of the preceding one. If you
are shifting direction or moving to a different point, prepare your reader with a transition. Achieving continuity in your
essay is similar to achieving continuity in a paragraph.
Beginnings and Introductions
The beginning of a paper should lead naturally into the rest of the paper and be appropriate to its subject and tone. In some
professional and academic papers, it is acceptable to begin with a statement of what the paper intends, but these are special
situations. A good beginning engages the reader’s attention. Ways to do this include giving a vivid example or relating an
anecdote, providing a description, using a quotation or a bit of dialogue, asking a question, or setting up an analogy.
The beginning may provide background or context for your thesis. Barbara Ehrenreich argues “Workfare, as programs
to force welfare recipients to work are known, was once abhorred by liberals as a step back towards the 17th century
workhouse—or worse, slavery. (context) But today no politician dares step outdoors without some plan for curing
welfare dependency by putting its hapless victims to work. (thesis)
Your topic may suggest any number of creative beginnings.
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