GRASP - Graduate Research Advanced Skills Program

RESEARCH WRITING SERIES

4 Better paragraphs in research

writing

The paragraph is the basic building block of scholarly writing.

This workshop covers the different types of paragraphs and
how to ensure cohesion and coherence within and between
paragraphs.
4 Better paragraphs in research writing
AIMS OF TODAY’S CLASS

By the end of the workshop, participants will

• understand that there are many different types of paragraphs in scholarly writing.

• be aware that paragraphs in scholarly writing often contain more than one idea.

• appreciate the importance of cohesion between ideas in a paragraph and between paragraphs.

• be aware that there is no ‘standard’ length for a paragraph; length should be varied according to requirements.

• understand the difference between - and how to write - inductive and deductive paragraphs.

• understand the M.E.A.L. plan of paragraph conceptualisation and construction

 4 Better paragraphs in research writing

What is a paragraph?
• A paragraph is sometimes defined as a unit of thought, but this is not really an accurate description.

• It is often claimed that an effective scholarly paragraph contains one main idea (e. g. Goodson 2016), but perhaps
this is an oversimplification. (Rosenwasser &Stephen, 2009.)

• We all recognize a paragraph when we see it. But what are the best ways to conceptualize it?

• There are various ways to look at paragraphs – consider which ways best suit your purpose.

• Since a paragraph forms part of an argument which supports a larger claim, when constructing a paragraph, it is
important to always keep the broader argument in mind.
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

The function of the paragraph in scholarly writing

 PRESENTS information

 MAKES claims

 SUPPORTS these claims with evidence

 ANALYSES information

 CRITIQUES the writing of others

 SUPPORTS the broader argument

 LINKS these functions within and between other paragraphs

4 Better paragraphs in research writing

Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing

GOODSON (2017)

A “Tight” Academic Paragraph

(TRANSITION) + ONE KEY IDEA + DEVELOPMENT OF ONE KEY IDEA

 4 Better paragraphs in research writing

Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing:

GOODSON (2017)

A “Tight” Academic Paragraph

EXAMPLE

“ A paragraph should be consistent in structure; that is, it should complete three functions
in order. First, a paragraph should open with a transition. The transition can be as short as a
word or a phrase that was used in the previous paragraph – or as long as a sentence or even
two or three. Second, the transition should be followed by a topic or key sentence. Third, the
rest of the paragraph should provide support or evidence for the idea in the key sentence. As
you revise, you should check each sentence against this template.” (Gray, 2005, p.42)

Could it be a little boring to write all of your paragraphs like this?

4 Better paragraphs in research writing
Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing

“The topic sentence controversy”

See Rosenwasser and Stephen (Writing Analytically, 2009, p.174)

Rosenwasser and Stephen describe the movement of the mind in planning and writing a paragraph.

OBSERVATION

SO WHAT?

IMPLICATION

SO WHAT?

TENATIVE CONCLUSIONS
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing

The M.E.A.L.
The authors suggest thinking about a body paragraph as a “complete MEAL”.
They stress, that this is not a template, but a way to conceptualize the paragraph

• The Main Idea Often, an assertion that supports the larger claim.

• Evidence and Analysis Data needs to be explained. Evidence and analysis closely interlinked.

• Link back to the larger claim can often be implicit

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=465757&p=5398055
4 Better paragraphs in research writing
Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing
THE M.E.A.L.
(Assuming the argument in this paper is about the relationship between electronic medical records and transparency)

“Electronic medical records promote patient satisfaction in their ease of access. Certain programs allow
patients to view their medical records in a password-protected online environment, print out immunization
records, and perform other necessary tasks with an immediacy that paper records do not allow (James,
2011). The convenience of immediacy spans also to healthcare professionals who may need to transfer
records to other medical institutions for a patient's procedure. Rather than spending the time and money
copying, faxing, or printing records, healthcare professionals can simply transfer information via the EMRs
programs (Hunter, 2009). This ease of access for patients and medical personnel creates transparency.”

Academic Paragraphs: Examples of the MEAL Plan - Video Transcripts - Academic Guides at Walden University

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=465757&p=5398055
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

THE M.E.A.L.
TRANSITIONS WITHIN PARAGRAPHS

IMPLICIT TRANSITIONS

EXPLICIT TRANSITIONS

Overview - Paragraphs - Academic Guides at Walden University

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paragraphs
4 Better paragraphs in research writing
THE M.E.A.L.
TRANSITIONS WITHIN PARAGRAPHS

IMPLICIT TRANSITIONS - help connect ideas also, as well as, while

EXPLICIT TRANSITIONS - show relation between ideas (concession, causation) however, thus

Researchers have studied and presented the relevant literature about teacher professional development in many
ways. However, at the core of such endeavors is always the understanding that professional development is about
teachers learning, learning how to learn, and using their knowledge for the benefit of their students. All of this occurs
in particular educational policy environments or school cultures, some of which are more appropriate and conducive
to learning than others. The instruments used to trigger development also depend on the objectives and needs of
teachers as well as those of their students; thus, formal structures such as courses and workshops may serve some
purposes, while involvement in the production of curricula, the discussion of assessment data, or the sharing of
strategies may serve other purposes. Not every form of professional development, even those with the greatest
evidence of positive impact, is relevant to all teachers. There is thus a constant need to study, experiment, discuss,
and reflect in dealing with teacher professional development.

Academic Paragraphs: Types of Transitions Part 2: Transitions Within Paragraphs - Video Transcripts - Academic Guides at Walden University

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=465757&p=5398073
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

THE M.E.A.L.
TRANSITIONS BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS

IMPLICIT TRANSITIONS

EXPLICIT TRANSITIONS

WATCH THIS VIDEO YOURSELF FOR EXAMPLES

Overview - Paragraphs - Academic Guides at Walden University

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paragraphs
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

THE M.E.A.L.
TRANSITIONAL PHRASES

Time: then, next, after, while, since

Cause-effect: therefore, consequently, as a result

Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore, similarly

Contrast: but, conversely, nevertheless, however

Overview - Paragraphs - Academic Guides at Walden University

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paragraphs
 4 Better paragraphs in research writing

INDUCTIVE AND DEDUCTIVE PARAGRAPHS

• A lot of your scholarly writing is directly (or indirectly) argumentative – or certainly forms part of a broader argument
in your thesis or paper.
• Two typical ways of developing and expressing your argument are through the

INDUCTIVE PARAGRAPH
Begins with specific data, evidence or observations which will support the conclusion/claim at the end of
the paragraph.

DEDUCTIVE PARAGRAPH
Begins with the central claim, which is then elaborated and supported in the remainder
of the paragraph.
 4 Better paragraphs in research writing

INDUCTIVE PARAGRAPH
An Example

Oceans have ingredients which can benefit human health. Several important medical
treatments are based on chemicals discovered in marine animals. On the other hand,
increasingly common phenomena such as harmful algal blooms have demonstrated
their negative impact on human health. The health of marine ecosystems is affected by
human activities such as pollution, global warming, and over fishing. But at the same
time, human health depends on thriving ocean ecosystems. We need a better
understanding of the many ways marine organisms affect human health, both positively
by providing drugs and bio-products, and negatively by causing human ailments.
Paragraph Development. 2018. Lingnan University. https://www.ln.edu.hk/eng/rhetoric/Paragraph%20Development/Paragraph07.html .
 4 Better paragraphs in research writing

DEDUCTIVE PARAGRAPH
An Example

Beneficial and harmful links exist between human health and ocean health.
While several important medical treatments are based on chemicals
discovered in marine animals, increasingly common phenomena such as
harmful algal blooms have demonstrated their negative impact on human
health. The health of marine ecosystems is affected by human activities
such as pollution, global warming, and over fishing. But human health in
turn depends on thriving ocean ecosystems.
Paragraph Development. 2018. Lingnan University. https://www.ln.edu.hk/eng/rhetoric/Paragraph%20Development/Paragraph07.html.
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

MAINTAIN LOGICAL FLOW

In a paragraph with one main topic, maintain logical flow by keeping a common grammatical subject throughout:

“To understand human evolution, genomes from related primates are necessary. For
example, identification of features common among primates or unique to humans will
require several primate genomes. Fortunately, scientists can now do such genome-wide
exploration; in the past 5 years, the community has released several nonhuman primate
genome sequences.”

Subject string genomes from related primates

identification of features
Subjects are all different
scientists

the community
https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/index.php?action=lesson3
Lesson 3: Scientific Writing Resource - Duke University
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

MAINTAIN LOGICAL FLOW

“To understand human evolution, genomes from related primates are necessary. For
example, several primate genomes are needed to identify features common to primates
or unique to humans. Fortunately, such genome-wide exploration is now a reality; in the
past five years, genome sequences of several nonhuman primates have been released.”
Subject string: genomes from related primates
primate genomes
Subjects all similar
(genome)
genome-wide exploration
genome sequences

https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/index.php?action=lesson3
Lesson 3: Scientific Writing Resource - Duke University
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

A PROCEDURE FOR WRITING A PARAGRAPH

Step 1 Decide what the claim is in each paragraph

Step 2 Organize the supporting evidence or data

Step 3 Write the Topic Sentence

Step 4 Write the paragraph

Step 5 Revise the paragraph

https://www.ln.edu.hk/eng/rhetoric/Paragraph%20Development/Paragraph07.html
4 Better paragraphs in research writing

REVERSE OUTLINING

Reverse outlining is a process which can help you re-organise and edit your
writing. You are basically turning the collected paragraphs into a list of
selected bullet points.

(i) Simply read over the existing paragraphs in a section of your writing.

(ii) Write down a paraphrase of each topic sentence in the existing order.

(iii) Read over the existing sentences.

4 Better paragraphs in research writing

WHERE PARAGRAPHS IN SCHOLARLY WRITING GO WRONG

• Too much information

• Too many ideas

• Inappropriate placing of old and new information

• Not maintaining logical flow in the string of the grammatical subjects of sentences

• Poor linking between sentences, and between paragraphs

• Not referring back to main claim of paper, or section, chapter or thesis as a whole
 4 Better paragraphs in research writing
REFERENCES

Academic Phrasebank. 2018. The University of Manchesterhttp://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/explaining-cause-and-effect/

Accessed 24/04/18.

Goodson, Patricia. 2017. Becoming an Academic Writer. London: Sage.

Gopen, D. and Judith Swan. 1990. “The Science of Scientific Writing”. American Scientist. (78) 550-558.

Gray, T. 2005. Publish and Flourish. Springfield, IL: Teaching Academy, New Mexico State University.

Paragraph Development. 2018. Lingnan University. https://www.ln.edu.hk/eng/rhetoric/Paragraph%20Development/Paragraph07.html. Accessed 20/04/18

Rosenwasser D. and Jill Stephen. 2009. Writing Analytically. Boston: Thomson Higher Education.

Scientific Writing Resource. 2018. Duke University. Lesson 3: Scientific Writing Resource - Duke University
https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/index.php?action=lesson3 . Accessed 21/04/18

Using English for Academic Purposes (UEfAP) http://www.uefap.com/writing/exercise/exwripar.htm. Accessed 23/04/18.

Zawieska, J. and Jana Pieriegud. 2018. “Smart city as a tool for sustainable mobility and transport decarbonisation. Transport Policy (63). 39–50.