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Writing Coherent Paragraphs

The document provides a 4 step process for writing coherent paragraphs: starting with a clear topic sentence, integrating quotes with explanations, having a logical flow of ideas, and starting a new paragraph for each new idea. It also includes a checklist and sample paragraph.

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Cristinejoy Angolluan
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107 views

Writing Coherent Paragraphs

The document provides a 4 step process for writing coherent paragraphs: starting with a clear topic sentence, integrating quotes with explanations, having a logical flow of ideas, and starting a new paragraph for each new idea. It also includes a checklist and sample paragraph.

Uploaded by

Cristinejoy Angolluan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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4 Steps to Writing a Coherent Paragraph writingcentre.stu.

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A paragraph is the way we divide our ideas in formal writing. To ensure your paragraphs are coherent
and unified, follow these steps:

1. Begin Each Paragraph with a Topic Sentence

The topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph. It’s like a thesis statement, but only for
that one paragraph.

 Use your topic sentence as a guide for the content of your paragraph.
 Ask: Do the other sentences in this paragraph relate to my topic sentence? Or is it a new idea?

2. Direct Quotes Should be Correctly Integrated and Explained

When using direct quotes in your writing, they need to have an explanation of why they are significant.

e.g. As MacDonald argues, “students who use the Writing Centre regularly tend to perform
better in class and receive higher marks” (12). This again shows that many faculty and staff at
St. Thomas believe the Writing Centre to be a valuable resource.

Coherent paragraphs do not just talk about sources, they integrate them. They provide an explanation
as to why the source is used and how it relates to the topic sentence and thesis statement of the essay.
ALL sources should help to further understand your topic sentence.

3. Ideas should have a logical flow.

A core element of having a coherent paragraph – and subsequently a coherent paper – is making sure
the argument you are making has a logical flow. Ask yourself: Does my content make sense
chronologically? If someone who knew nothing about my topic read my paper, would they understand
what I am arguing?

Remember to end your paragraph with a summary sentence.

Try this: read only your topic sentences from your paragraphs. If they still seem to have a logical flow,
your paper will, too.

4. When to start a new paragraph

Each paragraph represents a new idea. While all your paragraphs will be related to the main argument
of your paper, each separate point you are making needs its own paragraph.

i.e., if your paper is on why cats are better than dogs, one paragraph could argue that cats are
cleaner than dogs and your next paragraph might argue that they are better to cuddle with.
Even though you are making the same overall argument (that cats are better than dogs),
because you are using different ideas to support this claim they get a different paragraph.
Coherent Paragraphs Check List

 I have a clear topic sentence.


 My paragraph focuses on one main idea.
 Each of my sentences helps to further explain my topic sentence.
 I have provided an explanation or highlighted the significance of each direct quote I have used.
 I have integrated ALL my sources (both direct quotes and paraphrased information) and hey
help to further explain or support my topic sentence.

Sample Paragraph1

In addition to suffering from several illnesses (transitional phrase), marine mammals kept in
captivity can be a threat to the people who interact with them (main idea). According to a 2006 report
by the Humane Society of the United States, 23 percent of people who have been in contact with marine
mammals in captivity suffered from one or several rashes, and a fifth of the marine mammal workers
suffered from a respiratory disease, including tuberculosis (Rose & Farinato, p.31). Contrary to what the
public believes, marine mammals are not always happy and friendly; in fact, they can be aggressive and
violent. Injuries among trainers who work in close proximity to the marine mammals are common,
“ranging from lacerations to broken bones and shock. One man suffered a cracked sternum when
butted by a dolphin, and a woman received a broken arm when similarly rammed” (Rose & Farinato,
2006, p.31). Not only do marine mammals injure workers, they sometimes kill them, too:

The aggression and violence of which orcas are capable were clearly witnessed at Sea World San
Diego in August 1989, when an Icelandic female (Kandu V) rammed a northeastern Pacific
female (Corky II) during a show. Although trainers tried to keep the show going, blood began to
spurt from a severed artery near Kandu’s jaw. Sea World staff then quickly ushered away the
watching crowd. Forty-five minutes after the blow, Kandu V died (Rose & Farinato, 2006, p.32).

Clearly, marine animal workers are exposed to illnesses, injuries and death every time they are in
contact with a marine mammal (concluding statement that summarizes the paragraph).

References

Rose, N. A., & Farinato, R. (2006). The case against marine mammals in captivity (4th ed). The Humane
Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/case-against-marine-captivity.pdf

1
Adapted from: Algonquin College. (n.d.). Paragraph coherence. Guide to grammar and writing.
http://plato.algonquincollege.com/applications/guideToGrammar/?page_id=3402

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