It seems simple, but many people get confused when it comes to writing a paragraph in their academic work. One way to avoid mistakes that compromise the reader’s understanding is to consider a structure, use punctuation correctly, and remove unnecessary terms. In this article we will provide you the information about Academic paragraph example.
Scientific writing differs from artistic writing since the author is not free to organize words thinking only about art and sensations. It is clear, direct and objective, as other researchers need to understand the message well in order to produce other studies.
Tips on how to write a paragraph in academic work
The paragraph is a unit of meaning in the text. Those who manage to structure it correctly also improve the quality of their academic work as a whole. Here are some guidelines for writing a perfect paragraph:
1 – Read other academic texts
Reading scientific articles and other academic texts is the first step in becoming familiar with writing. In this way, you get to know the contributions of other authors on your research topic and are able to better structure your arguments in the report.
Therefore, before starting to write the work, read many documents related to your research topic and build a repertoire on the subject. Give preference to texts embedded in intellectual traditions, so that arguments will be built on a solid foundation.
2 – Produce tokens
A good reading is not lost, it is registered through records . Writing reads well because the meaning of each part of the academic text can be complex.
The chips are not written in any way. It is fundamental that they contribute to the advancement of the argumentation process . A file is the exercise of synthesis formulated from three cores: problem, thesis and argumentative path.
3 – Create an interim summary
After reading and understanding the consulted authors, you are already in a position to produce good paragraphs in academic work. But, before putting your hand in the dough, be careful to create a provisional summary – a resource that facilitates the organization for writing.
The provisional summary gathers the topics you need to explain in your work, which are aligned with the general objective and the specific objectives of the research project. It is from this “skeleton” that the paragraphs of each topic are assembled.
4 – Have objectivity as your guide
The paragraph of an academic text has objectivity as its main characteristic. Therefore, there is no room for ambiguity (when there is more than one meaning) and neither for figures of speech .
The academic text is being written for someone, so he needs to make himself understood. It is not enough for the author to understand.
5 – Use short sentences
A paragraph gets confusing when you use sentences that are too long. Thus, the recommendation is to write smaller sentences, with three to five lines at most.
The ideal paragraph for academic texts is built with three sentences – which totals an average of nine lines.
6 – Know how to structure each part of the paragraph
Having a paragraph template to follow is a starting point for writing academic writing well. Understand each part better:
Introduction
The first sentence should present the main idea of the paragraph. You can, for example, start the content by talking about the study carried out by another author, considering what was recorded in the reading form.
Development
In the following sentences, which constitute the middle of the paragraph, it is necessary to develop the core idea presented in the first sentence. The construction of the development involves exposing other arguments that are related to the core idea.
Finally, the last sentence of the paragraph works as a kind of closure, a conclusion of the presented idea.
7 – Outline the paragraph into topics
After carefully reading your notes on the reading cards and having the ideal paragraph structure in mind, make an outline with the content of each paragraph, organizing into topics what will be covered in each part of the paragraph. So, when it comes to writing, the main job is to turn each topic into a sentence.
Creating a bulleted outline is a way to structure the logic behind each organized paragraph.
8 – Write simply
As much as you enjoy using big words, don’t do it in academic work. Prefer to use simple sentences and in direct order (subject + verb + complement).
9 – Connect the paragraphs
Each paragraph is a unit of meaning, but they all come together to give shape to the text. Connectives help to link ideas, connecting paragraphs in a fluid way.
The paragraphs, organized logically and clearly, create the meaning of the section. Also, remember that each section of the scholarly text must be “tied together” with the one before and after. The “tying” occurs in the first and last paragraphs so that the problematic aspect of the discussion is not lost.
10 – Reread each paragraph
After you finish writing a paragraph, read it aloud and see if your reasoning is clear. Take advantage of the review time to replace repeated words with synonyms and correct mistakes (spelling, punctuation and typing). If so, rephrase the confusing sentences.
When you finish the chapter, read the whole and check that the paragraphs are well tied.
Examples of paragraphs from academic papers
See, below, two examples of paragraphs from academic works with comments.
Comment: The first sentence confirms that McLuhan’s concept applies to the Internet (central idea). The following sentences present arguments that confirm the initial part of the paragraph and also resume another author who was approached in the chapter. The last sentence presents a conclusion.
Comment: the paragraph begins with the synthesis of a concept of the author read (central idea). The development occurs from the indirect quotation of an author who thinks the same way. Finally, the last sentence closes on the issue of personal branding, which, in turn, is the central theme of the paragraph.
