GRASP - Graduate Research Advanced Skills Program

1. RESEARCH WRITING SERIES 4 Better paragraphs in research writing GRASP - Graduate Research Advanced Skills Program 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.

2. 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 ofcohesion 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

3. 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. 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 • LINKSthese functions within and between other paragraphs

5. 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

6. 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 functionsin 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?

7. 4 Better paragraphs in research writing Approaches to the paragraph in scholarly writing “The topic sentence controversy” SeeRosenwasser 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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, whileinvolvement 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 thusa 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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, evidenceor 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. • See: Lingnam University

15. 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. See: Lingnam University

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 4 Better paragraphs in research writing MAINTAIN LOGICAL FLOW “To understand human evolution, genomes from related primates are necessary. For example, several primate genomesare 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: genomesfrom related primates primate genomes Subjects all similar (genome) genome-wide exploration genomesequences https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/index.php?action=lesson3 Lesson 3: Scientific Writing Resource - Duke University

19. 4 Better paragraphs in research writing A PROCEDURE FOR WRITING A PARAGRAPH

20. 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. 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.

21. 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

22. REFERENCES 4 Better paragraphs in research writing 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. .