II. Identifying Type of Paragraph Organization

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COHESION OF PARAGRAPH

I. Connectors

1. There are short but very important words that connect ideas in a paragraph. Think

of as many of them as you can. Compare your list with that of your partner’s.

! COHESION

The reader will be able to follow a paragraph easily if the paragraph has a smooth flow. Smooth flow

means that one sentence leads easily into the next sentence; the sentences are well connected. This

characteristic of a paragraph is called cohesion. Connectors usually signal a certain type of paragraph

organization.

Cohesion of Paragraph

III. Model Paragraph

1. Read the paragraphs below and fill in the gaps. Identify the type of each paragraph’s

organization.

1. first, last Saturday, by the end of the evening, after, at six o’clock, finally

1 _______ good friends from college visited me, and I wanted to

give them an exciting tour of my new home. 2 _______, I took

them to my favorite café in the Italian section of the city.

3 _______ coffee and pastries we went to the Science Museum

because it was having an exhibition of photographs of Saturn. It

was difficult to tear my friends away from the exhibits, but

4 _______ we began to think about supper. We 5 _______ agreed

on a Japanese restaurant near the museum for an early dinner. To

top off the day, we saw a popular play. 6 _______ we were all

ready to rest.

2. a few others many still others some

People have 1 _______ different ideas about what makes a great vacation. 2 _______

people like to go away to the remote, silent forest where they won’t see anyone for days

at a time. 3 _______ prefer to spend their days in an exciting city where they walk

through crowded museums all day and dance at discos all night. 4 _______ enjoy the seashore,

where they can spend their days in the brisk salt air and allow the ocean waves to

wash away their thoughts of home and work. 5 _______ people decide to be practical

and spend their vacation time at home, doing major household projects, such as painting

the house or re-building a porch.

3. caused due to reason resulted in effect because

At the beginning of the century Wareham was a sleepy, coastal village, but a sudden

growth in tourism 1 _______ the changes that have made Wareham a busy, commercial

town. Today as you drive down the main street, you see an endless row of hamburger

places, souvenir shops, and motels. 2 _______ the amount of people who vacation on

the coast, prices at restaurants and motels are very high. In addition, the rise in tourism

has consequently 3 _______ heavy summer traffic and increased the amount of car accidents.

Even though some of the changes are depressing, a positive 4 _______ of tourism

is the number of jobs that has been created. 5 _______ of the vacationers, the people of

Wareham enjoy a more stable economy. For this 6 _______, the town is growing each

year and no longer resembles the Wareham of many years ago.

4. however whereas similarities both difference but in common

When comparing the body language of North and South Americans, we find more differences

than 1 _______. For example, North Americans do not prolong eye contact during a conversation, 2 _______ South Americans do. A person from North America

usually meets the other person’s eyes for a few seconds, looks away, and then back again;

3 _______ a South American looks directly into the other person’s eyes and considers it

impolite if he does not. Another 4 _______ is the contrast in using hand movements

while speaking. The South American uses many gestures; 5 _______, the North American

uses them only occasionally. The North and South American have more 6 _______

when we examine the distance each maintains from the person he is talking with. Unless

there exists a close friendship, 7 _______ the North and South American stand about

two to three feet from the other person. By studying the differences in body language of

a group of North and South Americans, we could probably figure out where each person

comes from.

Based on Ruerbach, B., Snuder, B. pp.21, 30, 28; Wong, R., Glendinning, E., Mantell, H. p.40

IV. Mixed Type

1. How are the following paragraphs organized? What type of organization is domineering?

What helps you decide?

1. For me, traveling solo is a dream come true for a number of reasons. First, traveling

alone multiples the chances of meeting people everywhere you go. As a result, you can

have many friends in different parts of the world. Second, traveling on your own, you

have to rely only on yourself when making decisions. Therefore, you are sure to gain

strength and build up your confidence. If you go abroad, you’ll also experience an accelerated

transition into a different culture which will cause you to absorb new languages,

learn customs and traditions of the locals. So, try a solo trip because it’s the best way of

learning about yourself and the world.

2. The differences between American and British English are not as great as some

people imagine. Differences in pronunciation are perhaps the most immediately noticeable:

skedule for schedule, for example, or cah for car. Pronunciation differences of this kind,

however, are minor and quite consistent. In grammar, there are perhaps even fewer differences.

One of the most obvious is in the British question form Have you…? as opposed

to the more common American pattern Do you have…? It is probably in the area of

vocabulary that the greatest number of differences occurs. An American flat is a British

puncture, for example, but a British flat is an American apartment. Different meanings for

the same word or the same meaning for different words seldom cause many serious difficulties

in communication. All things considered, there seem to be greater differences

among the many dialects of British English than there are between the standard dialects

of British English and American English.

VI. Linking Ideas

1. Each of the main ideas below lacks a linking word, expression, or adverb that signals

a generalization. Complete the sentences using different links. The first has been

done for you.

1. Generally, international students like to socialize

with students from other countries.

2. ___________, taking an exam is a stressful

event in a student’s life.

3. ___________ child must learn how to use a knife and a fork.

4. When I am watching TV, I ___________ eat pop corn.

5. It is ___________ a good idea for a traveler to take a lot of baggage on a trip.

6. ___________, St. Petersburg is a good city to live in.

7. ___________, men in my country shake hands when they meet someone for the first

time.

8. The survey found that ___________ the Park Hyatt guests were satisfied with the

service they received.

9. ___________, Chinese people seemed very friendly.

10. ___________, most students finish their coursework by the end of May.

VII. Using Correct Links

1. Fill in the gaps choosing the right words from those given in parentheses.

1. ___________ using dryers in the US costs money, I prefer it to drying clothes at

home ___________ it is quick and easy. (because, so, despite, although)

2. Many people believe that cats are not friendly; ___________, they will not make good

pets. (due to, therefore). Dogs, ___________, are loyal and friendly; ___________, they

make excellent pets. (of course, however, furthermore, consequently)

3. In North America ___________ coffee is a more popular drink ___________ tea. (in

the past, than, today, as) ___________ before the US won its independence from Britain,

tea was favorite and expensive ___________. (so, but, too, also)

4. Most of us can take simple precautions to minimize the risk. ___________, we avoid

walking in parks or deserted city areas ___________ dark. (after, when, that is, for example)

5. The smell of a flower can range from sweet, like vanilla, to fresh ___________ differences

in the chemistry of the plant. (because, due to)

6. The new test has some similarities to IQ test but ___________ some significant

___________; for example, it doesn’t have a vocabulary section. (as well, also, differences,

likenesses)

7. A cold winter can ___________ serious problems for many people in Florida. (give

rise, cause) The farmers grow oranges, and cold weather can ___________ many orange

trees dying. (result in, result from)

2. Fill in the missing linking words in the sentences below.

1. I go swimming every day ___________ work.

2. ___________ it’s a special occasion, I’ve already decided to treat myself to a bottle of

champagne.

3. Horses were the swiftest carriers of news ___________ most of history.

4. Write down what is said or done. Ask a friend or colleague to take a note

___________.

5. The House of Lords is not ___________ powerful ___________ the House of

Commons.

6. She was wearing dark sunglasses; ___________, he didn’t immediately recognize her.

7. It’s essential that we help to preserve these forests ___________ they have an ideal

climate for plants and animals.

8. ___________ neglecting his studies, he got his degree.

9. People choose jobs for other reasons ___________ money.

10. Cook the sauce over a medium heat ___________ it thickens. ___________, start

boiling the water for the pasta.

11. I think my father and I are very much ___________ in many ways.

12. Sea levels are rising ___________ of global warming.

13. There’ll be ___________ bus along in a few minutes.

14. Setting up a business is exciting. ___________, it requires a great deal of effort.

15. ___________ I can't help admiring the man's courage, I do not approve of his methods.

16. The President's absence has ___________ speculation about his health.

3. In the following passage, most of the connectors are missing. Rewrite the text, adding

links from the box below, where necessary. There are several possible options.

Television was invented by John Logie Baird. When he

was young, he built an airplane. He tried to fly in it. It

crashed down. Baird was fortunate not to be killed. It did

not discourage him. When he was older, he tried to make

diamonds from coal. There was an enormous explosion.

He was not injured. He became a business man. His business

failed. He thought of working at television. His family

advised him not to. He did not listen to them. He

rented an attic. He bought the apparatus he needed. He started working. He worked for

a long time. He was not successful. One day he saw a picture on his screen. He rushed

out to get someone he could “televise.” He found an office boy. He took him back to

his room. No image of the boy appeared on his screen. The boy, terrified, had put his

head down. He put it up again. His picture appeared on the screen. Television was discovered.

then

and

when

that’s how

however

but

yet

instead

the only result

although

VIII. Sentence Combining

1. Use signal words to combine each set of

sentences into one sentence organized according

to the suggested patterns.

• listing

1. I look for three basic qualities in a friendship. I value honesty. It is trust. My friend

and I have common interests.

2. Moscow has a lot to offer to a tourist. There are very many museums. You can enjoy

different restaurants with ethnic cuisines. The Arbat abounds in small stores and kiosks.

3. The three sisters enjoyed hot dogs at the snack bar for lunch. They liked root beer.

They ordered ice cream for dessert.

4. Mike went to the zoo with his father. They visited the bird exhibition. He liked the

tigers and lions. He saw an elephant house.

5. You can use several ways to collect the information for the article. Interviewing always

works. The university library contains lots of books and magazines that might be useful

for the historical survey.

• sequence

1. David and Peter went on a camping trip. They went to the White Mountain in New

Hampshire. They went in June.

2. Katherine woke up. The alarm clock rang loudly at 7 a.m.

3. A good example is my Uncle Jack. He was my favorite person. I was a child.

4. We were young. My brother used to tease me. He used to start fights.

5. I applied for the job of a tour guide. It was summer. I read an advertisement inviting

students to earn extra money and have an exciting vacation.

• comparison/contrast

1. The Iroquois Indians built their houses from birch trees and young saplings. The

Plains Indians preferred to use the hides of buffaloes for their shelters.

2. The twins look exactly alike. They have different personalities.

3. My mother has curly black hair. I have curly black hair.

4. No Italian meal is complete without something. The something is a loaf of delicious

Italian bread. The Chinese never serve bread of any kind.

5. It was cold inside the house. It was cold outside.

• cause-effect

1. My brother sleeps with an open book under his pillow. He says it helps him learn his

lesson.

2. The groundhog saw its shadow. We will have six more weeks of winter.

3. My friends and I were vacationing in the Caribbean. We were all interested in deep-sea diving.

4. My sister wasn’t watching where she was going. She stepped on the cat’s tail.

5. My brother studies very hard. He always makes the honor roll.

IX. Completing Sentences

1. Complete the sentences using the listing pattern.

1. I need the money. And besides, ______________________.

2. Another example of this approach ___________________.

3. The rent is reasonable and, moreover, _________________.

4. The company provides cheap Internet access. In addition,

___________________.

5. There were people from all over Europe and __________________________ too.

6. Car prices can vary a lot. For example, __________________________________.

7. He is young and popular. Furthermore, _________________________________.

2. The following sentences use sequence links. Complete the sentences.

1. Prior to _____________, you should gather all the ingredients for the cake.

2. To begin with, you must _______________ in order to score 550 on the paper-based

TOEFL.

3. Formerly I liked _______________, but nowadays I _______________.

4. In the 1900’s, people traveled by/on ______________; later they _______________,

and now they can _______________.

5. During the summer, she _______________.

6. Before I learned about _______________, I thought that _______________.

7. Since I was ten years old, I have _______________.

Tip:

Circle the words

that signal each

pattern of organization.

Cohesion of Paragraph

3. Complete the sentences using the comparison/contrast pattern.

1. Although you’re in the middle of a big city, _______________.

2. _______________ and _______________ are different in many ways even though

their aims maybe the same.

3. Some people visit their doctor on a regular basis, while others _______________.

4. Both _______________ and _______________ have a lot in common:

_______________.

5. In comparison with other video games, ________________.

6. Tom’s voice is very similar to _______________.

7. This is a cheap and simple process. However, _______________.

4. Complete the sentences using the cause-effect pattern.

1. As a result of the invention of the telephone, ___________.

2. Because of their lifestyle and diet, sportsmen _______________.

3. She already had a lot of experience; therefore, ___________.

4. Many people believe that poverty is a direct consequence of _______________.

5. Owing to bad weather, _______________.

6. Peter’s car ran out of gas, so ______________.

7. Drinking unfiltered water can give rise to _______________.

X. Wrong Links

1. In the following sentences, the links are used incorrectly. Change them to make the

sentences meaningful.

1. He was hungry by noon; therefore, he hadn’t eaten

breakfast.

2. He gets ten hours of sleep each night, unlike he

always seems tired in class.

3. Students who work in the cafeteria earn extra money; too, they learn a lot about human

nature.

4. There was no reason for him to stay any longer; nevertheless, he returned to his home.

5. However the fierce sandstorm, the caravan moved on.

6. Defeat was obvious because the players continued to try their best to win the game.

7. Mr. Smith smokes too much; for example, he drops ashes all over the rug.

8. A foreign student who reads only 200 words a minute is reading at about half the

speed of a native speaker of English; however, he takes about twice as long to read the

same text.

9. In contrast with a Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen also has gasoline or diesel engines.

10. The present birth rate is increasing and the death rate is decreasing since the world’s

population is growing at a frightening pace.

11. Too much coffee can result from a stomachache.

12. Sales of existing homes went up 2% last month. Similarly, the construction of new

homes went down.

COHESION OF PARAGRAPH

I. Connectors

1. There are short but very important words that connect ideas in a paragraph. Think

of as many of them as you can. Compare your list with that of your partner’s.

! COHESION

The reader will be able to follow a paragraph easily if the paragraph has a smooth flow. Smooth flow

means that one sentence leads easily into the next sentence; the sentences are well connected. This

characteristic of a paragraph is called cohesion. Connectors usually signal a certain type of paragraph

organization.

Cohesion of Paragraph

II. Identifying Type of Paragraph Organization

1. Read the four paragraphs below, identify the topic, and say what makes the paragraphs

different in terms of their organization.

1. Jim’s boss sent him a memo today about his work on his new job. In the memo, she

gave him many reasons to feel good about his work. First, the boss said that Jim had

learnt the technical parts of his new job very quickly. She also stated that Jim was getting

along very well with all of the people in the office. In addition, she wrote that he was

very kind and polite to customers on the phone, which is very good for the business. Finally,

she hinted that in a few days Jim would find a nice bonus in his paycheck. Jim was

up in the clouds.

2. When you decide to take a trip, the planning can be fun. First, you have to decide

where to go. Next, you need to look at maps and books about the place and figure out

how to use your time while you are there. Soon after that, you should talk to a travel

agent to find out how you will travel and how much it will cost. Then, if you are going to

a country with a language different from yours, you may decide to learn a few phrases in

that language. Finally, you need to make a packing list and check to be sure that you

have everything you need. After all this, you can relax and have a great trip.

3. There is quite a difference of opinion about typical features of New York and San

Francisco. Some people who have visited both cities say that there are some similarities.

Both cities are exciting cultural centers, with many residents who come from countries

all around the world. Also the cities are alike in that they have lovely architecture and

grand bridges. And, of course, both are port cities. On the other hand, people argue that

similarities end there, and differences start. New Yorkers are always in a hurry and are

much less friendlier than people of San Francisco. The streets in this California city are

very clean and in good condition, unlike the mess one finds all over New York. There is

much less crime in San Francisco than in New York. People in New York are always

afraid when they are out on the street. The debate is fierce and may never be resolved.

4. A cold winter can cause serious problems for many people in Greece. The farmers

grow olives, and cold weather can result in many olive trees dying. A cold winter can also

make for fewer tourists, so the bad weather can lead to problems for the people who

own hotels and restaurants. Besides, very cold weather can cause health problems for the

old people who do not have enough heat in their homes. Fortunately, cold winters are

quite rare in Greece.

! TYPES OF PARAGRAPH ORGANIZATION

There are four basic types of paragraph organization: listing, sequence, comparison-contrast, and cause-effect. In a listing paragraph the author enumerates a few facts about the topic to explain the main idea, support an opinion, or give some evidence about the general statement. In a sequence paragraph the writer tells about some events in the order in which they happened. In comparison/contrast writing the author wants to explain how two things are alike and/or different. Cause/effect writing explains the reasons why something happened and what was the result of the events.