Clear paragraphs are the building blocks of a readable paper. While Introduction argument and Discussion arguments determine what you argue, paragraph-level structure determines whether readers can follow it.
A paragraph should make one point and make it coherently. When paragraphs drift between topics or lack internal signposting, readers lose the thread—even if the underlying reasoning is sound. Here are three strategies to write as clearly as possible.
Role sentences
A common issue is that paragraphs try to cover more than one topic or argument, which leads to confusion. Focusing on a single purpose and maintaining clear internal logic makes each paragraph easier to follow and strengthens the overall clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.
A well-structured paragraph follows a logical flow, where each sentence has its own role:
- Context sentence (optional): Links back to information from the previous paragraph.
- Topic sentence: Provides the topic/argument for the current paragraph (i.e. states the claim).
- Paragraph body (multiple sentences): Develops the topic with supporting details, evidence, or explanations (i.e. supporting statements).
- Concluding sentence: Summarises the paragraph or connects it to the next idea.
Reasoning: explicit vs. implicit
Use signposting, or linking words, to explain your reasoning to the reader. For example:
❌Implicit: X is a common method in ecology. Y has also been used. Z is not well studied.
✅Explicit (with signposting): X is a common method in ecology. In contrast, Y has been used less frequently. However, Z is not well studied.
| Function | Signposting words and phrases |
|---|---|
| 🧩adding | and, also, furthermore, moreover, additionally |
| 🆚contrasting | but, however, on the other hand, although |
| 📚examples | for example, for instance, such as |
| 🎯concluding | therefore, thus, consequently, overall, hence |
| 🌟emphasising | importantly, notably, indeed |
| 🔢ordering | first, next, finally |
| 🔦clarifying | in other words, that is, specifically |
Implicit reasoning
Some fields require more implicit reasoning. Implicit reasoning relies more heavily on reader expertise and works only for specialised audiences (i.e. don’t do this in interdisciplinary research). It reduces the accessibility of a text.
Tip for drafting
Implicit reasoning requires crystal-clear logic in your own mind. Draft with explicit signposts, then remove if your field requires it.
Old-to-new principle
In the old-to-new principle, you refer back to previously established concepts before introducing a new concept. For example:
❌ Climate change affects plant phenology. Earlier flowering has been observed in many temperate species.
✅ Climate change affects plant phenology. This shift is evident in the earlier flowering observed in many temperate species.