The Science Of Scientific Writing Set C Paragraphs with something extra: points and tails Paragraphs that end with a bang! Using maps to write Point-final paragraphs Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Further ideas on Point-final paragraphs Exercise 4 Paragraphs that are short, or have a tail Final Page.
OVERVIEW: The way to well-written science
PART I: Paragraphs and Sentences
SET A: Paragraphs: The Maps Behind Them
SET B: Paragraphs: Using Maps to Meet Readers' Expectations
SET C: Paragraphs with Something Extra: Points and Tails
SET D: The Generic Section: Expectations and Maps as Blueprints
SET E: Scientific Sections: The Methods and Results
SET F: Scientific Sections: The Discussion
SET G : Scientific Sections: The Introduction
SET H : Sentences
SET I : The Paper as a Whole
PART II: The Paper and its Sections
SET 1: Argument Parts
SET 2: Indicator Words
SET 4: Locating Arguments in Prose
SET 5: Rationale's Essay Planner
SET 6: Evidence in Arguments: Basis Boxes
Synthesis 1: Position-Early Paragraphs
Synthesis 2: Position-Final Paragraphs
Synthesis 3: Writing a Discussion I
Synthesis 4: Writing a Discussion II
Short paragraphs, and paragraphs that end with a flourish
Shorties...
As mentioned previously, short paragraphs (of three or less sentences) are easier to write (and read) in isolation, but if used too frequently in a Section their combined effect is often a marked decrease in readability.
One sentence paragraphs
These can be used to emphasise content of great importance. The sentence (or at least one of its parts) will express a Point that you want the reader to remember.
Two sentence paragraphs
Generally, these will consist of
- a Framing Sentence followed by a one-sentence elaboration, or
- a non-core introductory sentence, followed by a paragraph-concluding Point sentence
Two sentence paragraphs
Given that an Elaboration need not necessarily be more than one sentence in length, even with just three sentences there are many possible combinations of:
- non-core introductory sentence/s
- a Framing Sentence
- Elaboration sentence/s
- a paragraph-concluding Point sentence
A flourish to end by..
In expository writing a paragraph will occasionally end with a sentence whose content steps away from the primary focus of the text. The remark could, for example, be humorous, philosophical, political or highly speculative. Technically such an appendage to a paragraph is referred to as a coda, the Latin word for tail. When using a coda, the writer might also adopt a more sophisticated style (or use a quote), to emphasise the shift in focus. In scientific papers, I doubt the coda is used much now. Expressing such sentiments would always be unacceptable in the main body of a research paper, but sometimes at the very end, if the writer feels their scientific credibility is established beyond doubt, he or she may treat themselves to a sliver of humanity! As Konrad Lorenz said: “We do not take humor seriously enough”.
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