• Are there adequate transitional devices to connect the paragraphs? [See Sample
Revision for Transition later in this chapter.]
• Does the theme follow a logical order? Do the body paragraphs follow a logical
order? [See order, in paragraph development, in the Glossary.]
• Does the conclusion reflect the thesis sentence and offer a summary, final
statement, or final observation that relates to the thesis sentence?As you examine your paper’s structure, also think specifically about its development.
Ask yourself these questions:
• Have I used the most logical and effective means of development? [See the
methods of development detailed in Part II, or—for a quick definition—check
development, methods of, in the Glossary.]
• Are there additional methods of development that may add more specificity to
my paper and help the reader better understand my point?STEP 2: Checking Structure—Paragraphs
If you have written only a single paragraph, you must examine the paragraph struc-
ture as a single unit of composition. If you have written a multi-paragraph paper,
you must examine the paper’s structure in terms of individual paragraphs.
As you examine the structure of each paragraph, whether as a single unit of composi-
tion or as part of a larger composition, ask yourself the following kinds of questions:
• Does my paragraph include a topic sentence, either stated or implied? [See
Writing a Paragraph in Chapter 2 for a discussion of effective topic sentences.]
• If the paragraph is part of a multi-paragraph paper, does it begin with a
transitional word, phrase, or sentence to tie it in with the previous paragraph?
[See Sample Revision for Transition later in this chapter.]
• Does my paragraph include sufficient specific details that support or explain
the topic sentence? [For an example, see Sample Revision for Specific Detail
later in this chapter.]
• Have I used the most appropriate means of developing that paragraph? [You
can use any means of development as described in Part II or any combination
of these methods. For a quick reference, see development, methods of, in the
Glossary.]
• Have I included specific rather than abstract details? [See abstract and specific
detail in the Glossary. Also see Sample Revision for Specific Detail later in this
chapter.]
• Have I maintained unity throughout my paragraph? That is, have I avoided
any material that does not directly support the topic sentence? [See Sample
Revision for Unity later in this chapter.]34 / Basics of Good Writing