Think of paragraphs as mini-essays: each develops a thesis and provides support for the thesis. A typical paragraph, like an essay, does four main things:

1.) presents a main idea that is usually stated near the beginning

2.) supports or illustrates that idea

3.) arranges ideas and supporting material in an orderly pattern

4.) uses logical associations and transitions to link one idea to the next.

Paragraphs should be UNIFIED (have one main idea), WELL ORGANIZED (logical order) and COHERENT (each sentence relates clearly to the sentences around it.)

The central idea and everything in the paragraph should relate to and develop that idea. Every sentence should fit with the others. Sentences should follow each other in logical order so that one could not move the sentences around at random: each one needs to be in its particular place to advance the internal development of the paragraph.

Some Ways to Organize Paragraphs: 1.) ask a question (state main idea, ask question of it, answer the question) 2.) illustrate your point (for example, for instance, consider this case) -- back up claim 3.) limit your point (go against leading idea by raising a negative consideration either before or after that idea has been stated) -- recognize opposition, what you don't mean 4.) establish a sequence (a more important objection, a stronger example, the best reason) 5.) connect logically (thus, as a result, therefore, so, it follows) 6.) compare (on the other hand, in contrast, however, but) 7.) summarize (in short, briefly)

Some Ways to Improve Coherence:

PROVIDE TRANSITIONS WITHIN PARAGRAPHS. Whenever your flow of ideas shifts, provide transitions. Transitions connect distinct ideas. They can indicate that one idea expands, exemplifies, qualifies, summarizes, implies, or results from another. They can contrast, compare, show relationships.

Common Transitional Words and Phrases:

To show cause and effect: therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, for this reason, so, so that

To compare: however, on the one hand/on the other hand, in contrast, conversely, but, yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, still

To show addition: and, in addition, also, furthermore, moreover, besides

To indicate time: before, now, after, afterwards, subsequently, later, earlier, meanwhile, in the meantime, while, as long as, so far

To give examples: for example, for instance, specifically, namely, to illustrate, that is

To conclude or summarize: in conclusion, to conclude, in summary, to summarize, in short, in other words, therefore, thus, in reality

To generalize: in general, for the most part, as a general rule, on the whole, usually, typically

To emphasize a point: indeed, in fact, as a matter of fact, even

To signal concession: of course, naturally, although, it is true that, granted that

Repeat Key Words Using synonyms or paraphrases of the key terms in your paragraph can help avoid monotony, but do not be afraid to repeat a key term–after all, it’s key! Modeling has long been used to teach dance, sports, and crafts, as well as skills in subjects such as home economics and chemistry. Modeling can also be applied deliberately in the classroom to teach mental skills and to broaden horizons. Teachers serve as models for a vast range of behaviors…

Refer to Old Information

Link ideas on your paragraphs by referring to "old information" at the beginning of new sentences. There references usually consist of repeated words or pronouns inserted into the subject position.

For Example:

In a classic study, Ralph Nichols asked both good and poor listeners what their listening strategies were. The poor listeners indicated that they listened for facts such as names and dates. The good listeners reported that they listened for major ideas and principles…

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Readers should be able to move easily from one paragraph to the next. Provide at least one link in the first sentence of the new paragraph that picks up where the preceeding paragraph left off. Such links could be transitional phrases that refer to old information and preceded by terms like this, these, such.

For instance: (previous paragraph on caste stratification)

Societies with this form of stratification try to make certain that the boundaries betweeen castes remain firm.

A good trick to link paragraphs is to begin a paragraph with a subordinate clause that sums up the previous paragraphs, followed by a independent clause introducing the main idea of the next paragraph:

In addition to linking paragraphs with transitions, good writers construct effective introductions and conclusion.

SPECIAL PARAGRAPHS: INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS INTRODUCTIONS: Introductions should do three main things: 1.) State the main idea, or purpose of the essay. 2.) Catch the reader's attention 3.) Show your reader why they should continue reading. Effective ways to begin your essay (first lines): 1.) Start with a question which leads into your main idea. 2.) Start with a controversial, or strong, statement of opinion 3.) Start with an anecdote or story. 4.) Start with an analogy If all else fails, start with a clear explanation of the issue

Ineffective ways to begin your essay:

1.)Try to avoid overly general first sentences and introductions. Be sure you really say something right off the bat. Poor, obvious, or general sentences don't make your reader want to keep reading.
2.) In a formal paper, don't start too informally.

CONCLUSIONS:

Conclusions should give your readers a sense of closure, obviously, a sense that all the loose ends have been tied up. You know you have failed to conclude when the reader turns the page over looking for the next paragraph. They don't, though, necessarily need to sum up the major points you have made, unless you feel a restatement would further your argument.

Effective conclusion strategies include quotation, a polemical call to action or adoption of policy, reaffirmation of importance of issue addressed, a prediction, a return to a concept raised in the introduction (framing), a statement of your personal stake in the issue.

Ineffective Conclusions are too general, cliched, or seem to be extra padding. Avoid making apologies, saying "last but not least," introduce a major idea that you should have discussed earlier, introduce an unrelated idea, or end too abruptly. Conclusions should NEVER be interchangeable with introductions! And conclusions should not try to make complicated issues discussed throughout the essay into simplistic cliches. Finally, avoid using terms which "tell" rather than "show:" in conclusion, lastly, finally, to sum it all up, etc.