Feelings of dislocation, disorientation, and a lack of focus in a passage occur when that happens.”* A seeming absence of context for each sentence is one consequence of making random shifts in topics. Moving through a paragraph from a cumulatively coherent point of view is made possible by a sequence of topics that seem to constitute a limited set of related ideas. Paragraph A: “The particular ideas toward the beginning of sentences define what a passage is “about” for a reader. Let’s look at the difference between two paragraphs, which are about the same thing. To ensure that your paragraphs are coherent, make sure each paragraph is structured to make a particular point. The rest of the paragraph should be focused on that topic. It is helpful to first state the topic of the paragraph thus informing the reader of its purpose and summarizing what the paragraph is about. Paragraphs should contain a single focus supported by related sentences that form into a major and coherent point. Just as sentences are cohesive when they “stick” together, paragraphs are coherent when they contain one controlling idea. This enables readers to solidify the connection between one idea and the next. The second sentence begins by recapping the ending of the first sentence. Such policy included the Federal Reserve’s failure to regulate interest rates and Great Britain’s return to Pre-WWI gold standard rate. Notice how these two sentences work together:įor many economists, the Great Depression was less a result of historical events than it was of poor international monetary policy. To ensure your writing is cohesive, consider using the old-new principle, where sentences begin with old information and end with new information. 4th ed., Allyn and Bacon, 2000.Sentences should logically fit together in writing, connecting one idea to the next. She gives us at least two reasons to accept her argument and incorporates some examples in order to give those reasons more validity. The writer gives herself enough space to develop the topic. The writer also presents her sub-topics in an orderly fashion that the reader can follow easily. There are good transitions employed in the paragraph. There is a flow of thoughts and ideas among the sentences in this paragraph. All the sentences effectively relate back to the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. This paragraph is effective for the following reasons: The hatred between dogs and cats has lasted for many centuries, so it is unlikely that this conflict will ever end. For example, when dogs are walked by their masters (and they happen to catch sight of a stray cat), they will pull with all their strength on their leash until the master is forced to yield the typical result is that a feline is chased up a tree. Today this type of cruelty between these two domestic pets can be witnessed in regions as close as your own neighborhood. Archaeologists in recent years have discovered Egyptian texts in which there are detailed accounts of canines brutally mauling felines. This enmity between these two species can be traced back to the time of the early Egyptian dynasties. It is commonly recognized that dogs have an extreme antagonism toward cats. Don't ever assume that the reader can read your mind: be specific enough to develop your ideas thoroughly, but avoid repetitionĪn effective paragraph might look like this: Also, details and descriptions help the reader to understand what you mean. Generalizations should be supported with examples or illustrations. Remember that a paragraph should have enough sentences so that the main idea of the topic sentence is completely developed. Third, structuring each paragraph according to one of the following patterns helps to organize sentences: general to particular particular to general whole to parts question to answer or effect to cause. Second, ordering thoughts in numerical sequence helps to direct the reader from one point to the next. For more on transitions, see the Write Right on Transitions. First, using transitions helps connect ideas from one sentence to the next. Coherence can be achieved in several ways. For a further explanation on topic sentences, see the Write Right on Topic Sentences.Ī coherent paragraph has sentences that all logically follow each other they are not isolated thoughts. In order to successfully do so, however, it is essential that the paragraph be written in a unified and coherent manner.Ī unified paragraph must follow the idea mentioned in the topic sentence and must not deviate from it. In each paragraph of an essay, one particular idea or topic is developed and explained.
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