Body Paragraphs, Coherence and Word Choice

A body paragraph usually opens with a claim tied to the thesis, then develops it with evidence and commentary. Each paragraph should move the argument a step forward instead of repeating the one before it.

Writing is coherent when every sentence and paragraph connects clearly to what comes before and after it and to the main idea. Writing questions on the exam often ask which sentence to add, cut or move to keep a passage on track.

Writers tie ideas together by repeating key words, using synonyms, pointing back with pronouns, and putting related ideas in the same grammatical form. These links help readers see that sentences belong together.

Transitions are words and phrases such as however, therefore and for example that signal how one idea relates to the next. Choosing the transition that matches the actual relationship, not just any transition, is a common exam question.

Denotation is a word's dictionary meaning; connotation is the feelings and associations it carries. Writers choose words whose connotations nudge readers toward an attitude, like calling the same person "confident" or "arrogant".

Precise, descriptive words make writing clearer and more vivid and help create the tone a writer wants. Strong verbs and specific nouns usually work better than vague words propped up with extra adjectives.