Building a coherent argument

Source: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/academic-style/coherence/ Parent: https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/writing-fundamentals/academic-style/

Writing coherently means creating an easily readable piece of writing that flows smoothly, is logically organised and has ideas that are connected effectively. This means creating paragraphs that develop your main argument and link together to build coherence. Let’s explore how you can make your academic writing more coherent.

Structure your work

There are many types of academic writing, but one thing they usually have in common is that they have an introduction, a body and a conclusion:

• Your introduction should contain a section which is called a thesis statement. This is where you tell the reader what the main argument is and the topics you will cover.
• In the body paragraphs, you develop and support your main argument.
• The conclusion reminds your reader what your thesis or main argument is.

In the Assessments section, you can find out more about structuring assignments such as essays, reports and literature reviews.\

Example: coherence in an argumentative essay

In this sample, highlights have been used to show how features from the introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion are linked together to create coherence.

Introduction

In recent years, the integration of technology into the realms of art and design has fundamentally reshaped traditional practices, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and expression. This transformation is evident in the adoption of digital tools, the evolution of interactive and immersive experiences, and the emergence of new collaborative possibilities. This essay will explore how these technological advancements are revolutionising the art and design landscape by examining the role of digital tools, the impact of immersive technologies, and the potential for collaborative innovation.

Body Paragraph 1\ The integration of digital tools in contemporary art and design has transformed traditional practices, creating new opportunities for innovation. Artists and designers now have access to digital tools that allow for greater experimentation and expression. For instance, 3D printing, which is a revolutionary technology, enables the creation of intricate sculptures that were previously unimaginable. According to Nguyen (2020), this technology has allowed artists to push the boundaries of form and function in unprecedented ways. Consequently, this technological advancement not only broadens the scope of artistic possibilities but also challenges conventional boundaries.

Body Paragraph 2

In addition to digital tools, immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are reshaping the way art and design are experienced and understood. These technologies create interactive environments that engage audiences in new and dynamic ways. For example, VR installations allow viewers to step inside a digital artwork, transforming them from passive observers into active participants. This shift in engagement offers artists and designers new avenues for storytelling and emotional connection, thereby enriching the overall experience of art and design (Brown, 2021).

Body Paragraph 3

Furthermore, technology has facilitated collaborative innovation, enabling artists and designers to work across disciplines and geographical boundaries. Online platforms and digital communication tools make it easier for creatives to share ideas and collaborate on projects in real-time, regardless of location. This global connectivity fosters a diverse exchange of perspectives and skills, leading to innovative outcomes that might not be possible in isolation. As a result, technology not only enhances individual creativity but also amplifies the potential for collective artistic achievements (Kumar, 2022).

Conclusion

In summary, technology has profoundly reshaped contemporary art and design. Digital tools have expanded creative possibilities, immersive technologies have transformed audience engagement, and collaborative innovation has facilitated global artistic exchanges. As these advancements continue, they promise to further enrich the art and design landscape.\

Paragraphs

In academic writing, each paragraph should focus on a distinct topic, and you should start a new paragraph when introducing a new topic.

Organising body paragraphs logically is important; group paragraphs exploring the same theme together before moving on to different themes. The first sentence of your paragraphs (the topic sentence), should clearly state what will be discussed in the paragraph.

Creating an essay plan can help ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and follows a logical sequence. To do this:

• list the topics of each paragraph
• check for logical grouping of topics
• check that all paragraph topics are relevant to your assignment question and support your argument effectively.

Here's an example of an essay plan that a student has made to ensure their work flows logically.

Thesis statement- Urbanisation offers employment opportunities but also poses challenges like environmental degradation, social inequality, and infrastructural strain, requiring sustainable planning.

Body paragraph 1 topic

• Urbanisation drives economic growth through job creation and innovation.

Body paragraph 2 topic

• It often leads to environmental degradation, necessitating green policies.

Body paragraph 3 topic

• Urbanisation can increase social inequality by limiting access to essential services for marginalised communities.

Body paragraph 4 topic

• Infrastructural strain from urbanisation underscores the need for comprehensive urban planning.

Conclusion

• Urbanisation's benefits and challenges must be balanced through sustainable and inclusive measures.

TEEL paragraph structure

We have already seen that it is important to have a clear topic sentence for your paragraph. Now, let's explore how the rest of your paragraph can support your topic sentence.

One way we can do this is by using the TEEL structure, which is commonly used for body paragraphs in academic writing. It stands for:

• Topic sentence
• Explanation
• Evidence and/or examples
• Link (the paragraph to the next paragraph)

The Writing paragraphs page has a detailed explanation of TEEL paragraphs.

TEEL paragraph example

In this example, one of the body paragraphs from the example essay has been divided into the different sections of the TEEL structure.\

The integration of technology in contemporary art and design has transformed traditional practices, creating new opportunities for innovation. Artists and designers now have access to digital tools that allow for greater experimentation and expression. For instance, 3D printing, which is a revolutionary technology, enables the creation of intricate sculptures that were previously unimaginable. According to Nguyen (2020), this technology has allowed artists to push the boundaries of form and function in unprecedented ways. Consequently, this technological advancement not only broadens the scope of artistic possibilities but also challenges conventional boundaries.

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Keywords

• Critical writing
• Design
• Essay structure

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