1. This skill is designed to help you read a logical paragraph and identify each sentence’s function (or job).

2. This skill is important because you can become a better, faster reader.

3. On reading tests, it often is asked, i.e., in paragraph 6 the sentence, “Hurricanes are one of the most destructive examples of extreme weather,” is most likely included . . .”

4. There are five kinds of sentences in logical writing.

5. S = Around 15% of the sentences in logical writing are statements of main ideas, where the author writes the next main idea he or she wants the reader to know.

6. E = Around 30% of the sentences in logical writing are explanations of main ideas, where the author is giving reasons why the main idea is true.

7. E = Around 45% of the sentences in logical writing are examples of main ideas, where the author is showing how the idea works in the world, using anecdotes, hypothetical cases, statistics, or quotations from expert sources.

8. These first three are exactly the same logically are in the body paragraphs of our student essays.

9. T = In longer logical writing, a writer may use a whole sentence to transition from one main idea to the next. (around 5% of sentences)

10. H = At the very beginning of the piece (or sometimes at the very end), the writer may include sentences that are interesting, but not strictly connected to his or her main ideas. These are called hook sentences. They ARE connected to the general topic, though - they’re not random. They try to get the reader interested, or “hook” them, like a fish on a line. (around 5% of sentences)

11. Always find the statement of the main idea first! That makes everything else much, much easier.