Which word means “how things fit together”?

The word is "structure".

Which important concept does the author discuss in the first paragraph of “Designed to Detain” that is also in “In Their Own Words”?

The important concept that the author discusses in both “Designed to Detain” and “In Their Own Words” is the loss of liberty and the impact of detention on individuals and communities.

The word that means "how things fit together" is "coherence." Coherence refers to the quality or state of being logical, consistent, and interconnected. It is often used to describe the organization, flow, or harmony of ideas, arguments, or components within a system or context.

To find the meaning of words, you can use several methods:

1. Dictionary: The most straightforward approach is to consult a dictionary. This can be in the form of a physical book or an online dictionary. Simply search for the word in question, and it will provide you with its definition, usage, and sometimes examples.

2. Thesaurus: Another helpful tool is a thesaurus. It provides synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for the word you are looking for. By exploring the synonyms, you may discover alternative words that convey the same or similar ideas.

3. Word Associations: If you are uncertain about the exact word, you can try using word associations. Think of related or similar words that may be associated with the concept you're trying to describe. This can help guide you towards the word you are seeking.

4. Contextual Clues: Consider the context in which you encountered the word. Examine the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraphs to gather clues about its possible meaning. Sometimes, the determination of a word's meaning can be deduced by the words used around it.

By utilizing these strategies, you should be able to find the meaning of most words you encounter.