What is an effective structure for an informative/explanatory paragraph?

• A. A topic sentence, supporting details organized logically, and a concluding sentence with a takeaway.
• B. Two unrelated sentences with no order.
• C. Only a list of facts with no transitions.
• D. Conclusion first, then topic sentence.

Answer: (A)

An informative/explanatory paragraph works best when its ideas are laid out clearly: a main idea stated upfront, details that support and explain that idea in a logical order, and a closing sentence that reinforces the takeaway.

That’s exactly what this structure provides. The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph will explain or inform about. The supporting details follow in a logical sequence—whether it’s steps, causes and effects, or examples—so the reader can follow the reasoning easily. A concluding sentence wraps up the idea and leaves the reader with a takeaway or a final thought. Put together, these parts create a cohesive, easy-to-follow explanation.

Why the other options don’t fit as well: two unrelated sentences with no order lack a guiding main idea and won’t build a clear understanding. A list of facts with no transitions doesn’t connect ideas or explain how they relate to one another. Starting with a conclusion and then a topic sentence reverses the expected flow, making it harder to grasp the main point from the outset.

So, the best structure is one that starts with a clear main idea, follows with logically ordered supporting details, and ends with a concluding takeaway.