Creating Coherent Paragraphs

Key Concepts

• Three main ways to create coherent paragraphs:
  • Topic sentences
  • Echo words
  • Transitions

Paragraph Structure

• Pyramid Structure:
  • Topic sentence at the top (point of the pyramid)
  • Supporting sentences underneath
• BLT Format:
  • Bottom Line on Top (BLT)
  • Topic sentence cues the reader about what follows

Characteristics of a Good Paragraph

• Self-contained message unit: All sentences relate to the topic sentence.
• Topic focus: All content is relevant to the topic.
• Expectation fulfillment: Paragraphs should meet the expectations set by the topic sentence.
• Connecting Sentences: Concluding sentence of one paragraph should lead into the topic sentence of the next.

Example of a Well-Constructed Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence: "Transformation is one of the key mechanisms in which bacteria are capable of DNA transfer."
2. Definitions and Elaboration: Explains transformation and its implications.
3. Examples: Compares Bacillus subtilis and E. coli in terms of transformation capabilities.
4. Conclusion: Connects last sentence to the next paragraph's topic by discussing methods of inducing artificial competence.

Importance of Echo Words

• Maintain concept consistency within the paragraph.
• Examples of echo words: transformation, mechanism, competent, uptake.
• Help establish logical connections and make complex concepts easier to digest.

Transitioning Between Paragraphs

• Example of connecting sentences:
  • Concluding sentence from the first paragraph leads logically into the topic sentence of the next.
• Revised Example: "One potential novel technique to induce artificial competence is ultrasound, a recognized method responsible for causing biological effects."

Role of Transitions

• Help establish logical flow between supporting sentences.
• Determine the conceptual category to select appropriate transition words.

Common Transition Categories

• Adding: also, furthermore, in addition, moreover.
• Sequencing: then, next, after, first, second, third.
• Contrasting: however, nevertheless, in contrast, on the other hand, conversely.
• Cause and Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, for this reason.
• Providing Examples: for instance, for example.
• Showing Similarity: similarly, likewise.

Example of a Paragraph Without Good Transitions

• Original paragraph lacks logical flow due to absence of transitions.
• Improved paragraph includes transitions to clarify the relationship between sentences:
  • Example transitions: "However," "In contrast," "Moreover."

Conclusion

• Every paragraph should be structured as a pyramid with a clear topic sentence.
• Transitions and echo words are essential for a logical flow.
• Following these principles will lead to conceptually coherent paragraphs.