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Academic Writing The Big Picture
Academic Writing The Big Picture
By Rosemary Jones
Development
General-to-specific sequence
The topic sentence should be the first sentence in a paragraph. The topic sentence is a general
statement introducing the paragraph and is followed by specific details that expand, explain, or
illustrate the topic sentence.
Unity
All the sentences should relate to one topic.
Completeness
Supporting ideas should be developed enough to cover the topic.
Coherence
Coherence equals connection and consistency. All sentences in a paper should be related
logically and grammatically to make a whole that allows the reader to follow the writer’s train of
thought step by step. Body paragraphs should flow smoothly from one to the next, e.g. the first
sentence in each new paragraph serves as an effective link to the preceding paragraph. In
addition, minor supporting ideas are linked together within the paragraphs in a smooth manner.
Within a paragraph, there are three major ways to develop coherence through related sentences:
1. 1. Repetition of important words and pronouns - Repetition of key words helps the
reader follow from sentence to sentence as important terms are defined and the
relationship between them is explained.
2. 2. Synonyms and substitutions - Synonyms are two or more words that have nearly the
same thing. Substitution is a word that describes the subject.
3. 3. Transitional expressions - Transitional expressions are words and phrases that point
out the exact relationship between one idea and another, one sentence and another, e.g.
therefore, however, for example, finally, etc.
Just as the sentences within a paragraph should flow smoothly, so the paragraphs within an essay
should be clearly linked one to the next. The first sentence of each new paragraph is linked to the
thesis statement or to the paragraph before. The following are four ways to link paragraphs:
1. 1. Repetition of key words or ideas from the thesis statement
2. 2. Reference to words or ideas from the preceding paragraph
3. 3. Use of transitional expressions
4. 4. Use of transitional sentences
Citing sources
Why use quotations, paraphrases, and summaries?
Quotations, paraphrases, and summaries serve many purposes:
Provide proof or credibility to one’s writing
Refer to work that leads up to the work the writer is doing now
Give examples of two or more points of view on a subject
Add depth or breadth to one’s writing