2015-07-14
518
1. Make the central idea clear. In paragraphs of explanation, state that central idea in a topic sentence, which as a rule should be the first sentence but, which may come at the end or within the paragraph.
2. Go over the paragraph to see that it has a unity; that every sentence in it is related to the central idea.
3. Check each paragraph for coherence: that is, to see that the ideas, expressed by various sentences are arranged in a logical order.
4. Be sure that emphasis on the central idea is evident now and then you can secure effective emphasis by use of a clincher sentence that sums up the idea in the paragraph or reinforces the topic sentence.
5. Develop a paragraph by using definitions, details, comparison or contrast, cause and effect, illustrations orexamples, repetition, or any combination of methods that will be most helpful.
A good paragraph has a unity, that is, it contains only those ideas that contribute to the topic of the paragraph. Any idea that does not do so is distracting to a reader and should be eliminated.
Another way to make a paragraph easy to understand is to arrange the sentences in an orderly plan. As soon as the plan is clear, the reader is prepared to follow the thought. In a narrative paragraph, one ordinarily tells the events in order of time; in a descriptive paragraph, in order of position or place. In an argumentative explanatory paragraph, one might go from less to more important ideas.
A third method of obtaining clearness is to use transitional words, phrases, or sentences to tie a paragraph together. For example:
Time: at last, meanwhile, then, now, later, at first, by this time, etc.
Place: here, there, beyond, farther on, to the left, next over, between, in the midst of, etc.
Addition: and, besides, for example, furthermore, another, again, too, etc.
Contrast: but, still, although, however, nevertheless, instead, yet, etc.
Summary and Conclusion: thus, consequently, in conclusion, in review, finally, for this reason, accordingly, in short, etc.
