Language Review: The Paragraph
In this lecture we will learn about:
- Paragraph Unity – Topic Sentences
- Paragraph Coherence – Transitional Devices
- Transitional Words and Phrases
- Linking Pronouns & Repetition of Key Words
- Paragraph Development – Exemplification, Narration, Process, Description, Analogy, Cause & Effect, Classification & Division, Definition, Analysis, Enumeration
Paragraph Unity
Adaptive optics is an electronic feedback mechanism that corrects atmospheric distortions for sharper astronomical images. Motorized cushions behind a telescope mirror constantly reshape it based on computer instructions analyzing a guide star's image, ensuring a sharp focus. (Alan Lightman, Ancient Light)
Topic Sentence
Time became a key concept in physics during the seventeenth century, woven into Newton's equations of motion. (Marcia Bartusiak, Technology Review)
Paragraph Coherence
Limited investment in housing makes allocation of resources for urban dwellers challenging. A small group of city officials has laid out a coherent plan to address the housing shortage. (Samuel Nunn, Journal of Urban Planning and Development)
Transitional Words and Phrases
Reducing drag in aerospace vehicles is critical. For example, poorly designed fuselages increase fuel costs. Moreover, drag stresses joints. Therefore, models are developed to reduce drag efficiently.
Linking Pronouns
In 1912, von Laue demonstrated that x-ray scattering patterns relate to atomic spacing. His experiments confirmed the hypothesis.
Repetition of Key Words
Packet switching should be distinguished from store-and-forward methods. Using packet repeaters, filters, and gateways highlights the key idea. (R.M. Metcalfe & D.R. Boggs)
Paragraph Development
- Exemplification: Use examples to clarify your topic.
- Narration: Establish chronological events to tell a coherent story. Transitional words like first, next, thereafter help flow.
- Process: Analyze high-intensity target regions in images via overlapping window sums.
- Description & Analogy: The immune system uses specialized white blood cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells to defend the body. (P. Insel & W. Roth, Core Concepts in Health)
- Cause and Effect: Global climate change impacts health, raising temperatures and heat-related mortality. (E. Chivan, Technology Review)
- Classification, Division, Analysis, Enumeration: Group and examine related information systematically.
Practical Tool for Writers
To check paragraph length and clarity while learning these concepts, you can use our Sentence Counter Tool.