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Read these two paragraphs from a science course, looking for similarities in how the paragraphs are organized.
Light
Light passes through some materials without scattering. We call objects of this kind transparent. Clear glass and clear plastic wrap are two transparent objects. Other objects, such as wax paper or frosted glass, let some light through but scatter or block the rest. These objects are translucent. Then there are opaque objects, which do not let any light through. Opaque objects block all light. Instead, they produce shadows on a surface when an object prevents light from reaching that surface. You are an opaque object. So is a wooden door, a refrigerator, or a moose.
Sound
Sound travels in waves that are produced when something vibrates. Sound waves are invisible—we cannot see the movement of sound through the air with our eyes. Unlike light, sound needs a medium, something to travel through. Sounds can move through solids like walls or clothing, liquids such as water, or gases such as air. Walls, water, and air are all examples of different media through which sound travels.
Both paragraphs describe how a type of energy moves, or travels. How are the structures of the paragraphs alike?
Choose the answer that best compares the structures of the two paragraphs.
Both paragraphs start with a general statement about how the energy form moves—
then they get more specific.
One paragraph is about light and objects that interact with light; the other is about sound.
One paragraph starts with a concept while the other paragraph starts with an example.
Both paragraphs are about a form of energy that we use in our daily lives without thinking about it.