Academic Writing Techniques

Lecture Note 5

Dr. Mohammad Kamal Hossain ACCA

Department of Accounting and Information Systems

Jashore University of Science and Technology
 Writing and Developing Paragraphs

5.1 Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of related sentences about one main idea.
5.2 Elements of a Paragraph
(a) Topic sentence: It begins with a topic sentence (the main idea).
Example: Exercise is important for staying healthy
(b) Supporting sentences: It has supporting sentences (facts,
examples, explanations). Example: It strengthens the heart and
improves circulation. Regular exercise also helps people maintain a
healthy weight. In addition, it reduces stress and boosts mood.
(c) Concluding sentence: It may end with a concluding sentence (to
wrap up or link to the next idea). Example: Therefore, everyone
should include exercise in their daily routine.

5.3 Example of a short Paragraph

Exercise is important for staying healthy. It strengthens the heart and
improves circulation. Regular exercise also helps people maintain a
healthy weight. In addition, it reduces stress and boosts mood.
Therefore, everyone should include exercise in their daily routine.
5.4 What is Coherence in a Paragraph?
Coherence means that the ideas in a paragraph are logically arranged
and easy to follow. It’s about making sense as a whole.
5.5 How to achieve coherence
 Arrange sentences in a logical order (e.g., time order, general to
specific, cause and effect).
 Stick to one main idea.
 Make sure each sentence naturally connects to the next.
Example:
Without Coherence (Confusing Order):
I love reading books. Libraries are very quiet places. I often read before
going to bed.
With Coherence (Logical Order):
I love reading books because they help me relax. I often read before going
to bed to calm my mind. Libraries are also great places to read because
they are very quiet.
Here, ideas flow step by step — the reader sees the connection.

5.6 What is Cohesion in a Paragraph?

Cohesion means that the sentences are well-connected by using linking
words and phrases. It’s about the glue that holds sentences together.
5.7 How to achieve cohesion
 Use transition words (however, therefore, also, first, next, finally)
 Use pronouns (this, these, it, they) to avoid repeating the same
words.
 Use repetition of key words or synonyms to remind the reader of
the topic.
Example:
With Cohesion:
Reading books is an excellent habit. It helps people gain knowledge and
improve their language skills. Moreover, reading reduces stress and
provides entertainment.
Here, “it” connects back to “reading books,” and “moreover” smoothly
adds another point.
5.8 Combined Example (with coherence and cohesion)
Topic Sentence:
Online learning has many advantages.
With Coherence & Cohesion:
First, it gives students flexibility to study at their own pace. For example,
they can watch recorded lectures anytime. Moreover, online courses
save time and travel costs. Therefore, many students prefer this modern
way of learning.
Here:
 Coherence: Points are arranged from general to specific and in a
logical order.
 Cohesion: Transition words (first, for example, moreover,
therefore) and pronouns (it, they) connect ideas smoothly.
5.9 Transition Words and Phrases
Transition words and phrases are words or groups of words used to
connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly.
They help your writing flow and show relationships between ideas.
5.10 Categories of Transition Words — with Examples
A. To Add Ideas
Use these to add information or continue the same point.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
and He plays football and studies hard.
also She loves painting. Also, she likes singing.
too He is good at math, and he’s good at science too.
besides Besides studying, she works part-time.
moreover Reading is fun. Moreover, it improves vocabulary.
furthermore He is talented. Furthermore, he is hardworking.
in addition She plays the piano. In addition, she can dance well.
additionally The team won the match. Additionally, they broke a
record.

B. To Give Examples
Use these to introduce examples.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
for example Many sports are popular. For example, football and
cricket.
for instance Some people, for instance, my brother, prefer online
shopping.
such as I love fruits such as apples and mangoes.
namely He plays two sports, namely basketball and tennis.
to illustrate To illustrate, recycling helps reduce waste.

C. To Show Similarity or Comparison

Use these to compare ideas.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
similarly Tom is very active. Similarly, his sister is energetic.
likewise He forgot his notebook. Likewise, I forgot my pen.
in the same She enjoys hiking. In the same way, her friends love
way outdoor activities.
just as Just as water is essential for life, education is
important for success.

D. To Show Contrast or Opposition

Use these to introduce differences.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
but He is rich, but he is not happy.
however It was raining. However, we went outside.
on the other Cats are quiet. On the other hand, dogs are playful.
hand
yet He studied hard, yet he failed the test.
although Although it was late, they kept working.
even though Even though he was tired, he went jogging.
instead She wanted coffee. Instead, she drank tea.
whereas John is tall, whereas Mike is short.
in contrast Asia has many big cities. In contrast, Africa has more
rural areas.
nevertheless It was cold. Nevertheless, they went swimming.
nonetheless He didn’t study much. Nonetheless, he passed the
exam.

E. To Show Cause and Effect

Use these to explain reasons or results.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
so He was hungry, so he ate a sandwich.
therefore It rained heavily. Therefore, the match was cancelled.
thus She worked hard. Thus, she got promoted.
consequently He didn’t set an alarm. Consequently, he woke up late.
as a result The company saved money. As a result, profits
increased.
hence He is the eldest son. Hence, he takes responsibility.
F. To Show Order or Sequence
Use these to show steps, stages, or order of events.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
first First, wash your hands.
firstly Firstly, turn on the computer.
second Second, open the file.
secondly Secondly, enter your details.
next Next, click the submit button.
then Then, wait for confirmation.
after that After that, check your email.
later He went to school. Later, he visited his grandmother.
finally Finally, submit the report.
at last At last, they reached the top of the mountain.
in the end In the end, everyone was happy.

G. To Emphasize a Point
Use these to highlight or stress an idea.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
indeed He is indeed a great leader.
in fact She is very talented. In fact, she won many awards.
above all Above all, be honest.
especially I love desserts, especially chocolate cake.
particularly He enjoys sports, particularly football.

H. To Summarize or Conclude
Use these to wrap up your idea or paragraph.
Word/Phrase Example Sentence
in conclusion In conclusion, we must protect the environment.
to sum up To sum up, reading is good for everyone.
in summary In summary, exercise keeps us healthy and happy.
finally Finally, never give up on your dreams.
to conclude To conclude, teamwork leads to success.
overall Overall, the project was a big success.

5.11 Key Tips for Using Transitions

Don’t overuse them — use naturally.
Place them at the beginning, middle, or end, as needed.
Match the transition word with the purpose (addition, contrast, result,
etc.).

5.12 Practice Task for Students

Fill in the blanks with suitable transition words:
1. I was tired. _______, I finished my homework.
2. She loves sports. _______, she plays tennis and football.
3. _______, online learning is very convenient.
 4. He didn’t study. _______, he failed the exam.
5. Dogs are friendly. _______, cats are more independent.

Answer Key
1. However / Nevertheless
2. For example / In addition
3. In conclusion / To sum up
4. Therefore / Consequently
5. On the other hand / In contrast

Final Tip
Using the right transitions makes your writing smoother, clearer, and
more professional.