We can create coherence in a body paragraph by introducing a clear topic sentence, stating logical bridges, and practicing development. First of all, we have to state a topic sentence at the beginning of our paragraphs, as it establishes a sense of unity and makes our writing stronger. The point of a body paragraph is to identify and explain one center point from your thesis statement, and a topic sentence gives the readers and even the writer’s information on what the focus of that body paragraph is (“IWE: Paragraph and Flow”). Additionally, we have to consider using different logical bridges. These are consistently placed transitional words and phrases, which helps your ideas in your paragraph flow through one another. It also establishes a clear pattern that aids your readers to track down the points you’re trying to make, and your reasoning behind them. Furthermore, we need to keep in mind the development of our body paragraph, as it enables a clear coherence throughout our paper, such that it establishes a focus of direction, showing specific claims, supporting with great detail, and then concluding by stating a summary of your main points.
To further elucidate, learning how to correctly outline your paragraph using a development can help synthesize your argument. The purpose of synthesizing is to combine all your research information into a single argument to portray your thesis statement. Synthesizing can be very difficult without the correct tools, so we have to keep in mind the development of our paragraph from stating a topic sentence to explaining how your reasons synthesize with your thesis. According to Warwick’s document, Help… I’ve Been Asked to Synthesize, states:
“Try to write complete sentences stating each of the supporting points you want to use to support your main point — or thesis. Then use these sentences as topic sentences for your paragraphs. This way each paragraph can proceed from the general supporting point of the topic sentence to specific facts, quotes, and paraphrases from your sources (material that gives you authority to your points)”.
It this evident that using development, specifically topic sentences, will help present your ideas clearer and more concisely which helps with synthesizing your paragraph. We can further talk about properly synthesizing your sources if we can understand Philosopher Frankfurt’s theory of the “bullshitter”. Professor John V. Petrocelli talked about Frankfurt’s essay and has conducted a series of empirical research about the meaning of “bullshits”, and how we can predict when will it occur, and how we can avoid it. In the Science Weekly podcast, Inside the Mind of the bullshitter, Petrocelli mentioned how a bullshitter, “…has no interest, no attention, and no focus on the truth at all…”, signifying the distinction between a liar, which is a person who knows the truth and is distracting his/her audience from the truth. A “bullshitter” is someone who states the truth but isn’t aware of it because this person is disingenuous about the subject of the matter. By correctly synthesizing your work, you are letting your readers know that you took your time to research, outline, and develop your argument, demonstrating your interest and attention to the topic. This will greatly heighten your credibility as an author and successfully portray your message to your audience.
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