Studying structure means understanding how the small pieces join together into one larger whole. And if you have been reading and learning about the TOEFL, then you probably already know that structure is key. It\u2019s important for every part of the test (just like vocabulary!): you need to structure your responses in speaking and writing, and you need to hear the larger structures in texts and lectures.<\/p>\n
So since structure is so important, it\u2019s appropriate that we should look at some common academic vocabulary that relates to structure and organization.<\/p>\n
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In a building, a framework is like a skeleton. Inside the walls, around the doors, and under the floors are hard, straight pieces of wood, metal, and\/or concrete that keep the building up. If a building has a good, strong framework, it won\u2019t fall down.<\/p>\n
So when we use the word \u201cframework\u201d to describe an idea or text, rather than a house, we are talking about the very core parts. They are what the details are based on.<\/p>\n
TOEFL example: The framework of your essay is very solid, but there are a few interesting ideas which could be better explored\u2014I suggest you expand and explain a bit when you edit it.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a couple of different definitions of \u201cscheme,\u201d but they\u2019re all related\u2014they\u2019re based on plans, systems, or drawings of how things work or should work. But a scheme is almost always quite complicated, regardless of which definition you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n The meaning that were talking about for the TOEFL is very close to the meaning of \u201csystem.\u201d It describes how many small pieces are connected (and, sometimes, how they have a certain effect by working together). But keep in mind that a \u201cscheme\u201d describes only the system or plan: the actual parts may be within <\/em>the scheme, but the are not the scheme itself.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n TOEFL example: The scheme we use to categorize life has eight ranks\u2014eight levels\u2014from the more general kingdoms, such as \u201canimal\u201d or \u201cplant\u201d, down to the specific species, such as homosapiens (humans).<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The verb \u201cto configure\u201d means to place pieces in a specific shape, to arrange. A configuration, then, is a set of pieces which are put in specific places to have a particular effect. When talk about a configuration, we are basically talking about which pieces are next to each other and how far apart or close they are.<\/p>\nScheme<\/h2>\n
Configuration<\/h2>\n