Computing Science

28. Structure - linking lines

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Paragraphs must be linked to ease the marker smoothly from one topic into the next, or through various sub-topics or expansions of a topic. This can be done through echoing the language and/or theme of the final line of the previous paragraph,or through useful linking words. These words include: in addition, consequently, however, moreover, nevertheless, yet, however, on the other hand, in contrast, nonetheless.

Some students like to pose questions at the end of a paragraph. For example: The internet removes the sense of touch from a relationship. Is this wise?

Or:

The internet, being only ‘virtual reality’, does not offer a real experience. What will happen if a person mistakes ‘virtual reality’ for the real thing? Will he develop well mentally and socially?

Linking paragraphs with questions is not categorically wrong. It can, however, be irritating and repetitious, with direct questions collapsing into rhetorical questions, for example: will life ever be the same again? Using questions to link paragraphs may be fine in popular journals or to link sequences on television, but on the whole they have no place in an academic essay. Finding a sentence that is not a question is usually a better option.

TaskTask TypeDifficulty
Task 1Multiple choiceModerate
Task 2Multiple choiceEasier
Task 3Multiple choiceModerate
Task 4Multiple choiceModerate
Task 5Multiple choiceEasier
Task 6Multiple choiceMore Challenging
Task 7Multiple choiceMore Challenging
Task 8Multiple choiceMore Challenging