1．Qualities of Paragraphs段落的特性

Paragraphs are logical expressions of ideas or key points．Each paragraph examines one idea only．Each paragraph has a beginning，a middle，and an end．Or they may also be called topic sentences，supporting sentences，and concluding sentences．The topic sentences announce your idea．The supporting sentences explain it．The concluding sentences make the point，and reinforce the idea．In addition，there is also a transitional sentence which directs the readers from this paragraph's idea to the next．The length of a paragraph can vary，depending essentially on the topic．The fundamental qualities of the paragraph are unity，coherence，and emphasis．

段落是中心思想或意义合乎逻辑的表达。通常一个段落表达某一个思想。每个段落都应当有开头、中间和结尾三个部分，或称之为主题句、展开句和结尾句。主题句表明一段的中心思想，展开句进行说明或解释，最后由结束句进行归纳并再次强调。此外，通常段落中还会有所谓的过渡句提示读者注意下一段意义的转变。段落的长度基本由所讨论的话题所决定，并无一定的标准。然而任何一个好的段落都必须具备下列三种特性，即完整、连贯和重点突出（强调）。

Unity（完整）

A paragraph has unity when you can summarize the paragraph in a single sentence．Otherwise，the paragraph is likely to lack unity．Unity is violated by presenting more than one central topic and by including minor ideas that do not contribute to this central topic．To attain unity，therefore，you need to be as careful about rejecting unrelated material as about including significant ideas．

完整的标准意味着可以用一句话来概括整个段落的意思。为使一个段落的内容完整，通常它所有的句子都必须围绕一个中心主题来进行叙述。

Coherence（连贯）

A paragraph has coherence when the relationship between sentences is clear．Coherence，defined as a“sticking together”，contributes to unity．To achieve coherence，you need to arrange sentences to make the meaning of the paragraph clear，and you need to use connectives to give the effect of smoothness．

连贯是指段落的各句之间层次分明，逻辑关系清晰。除了段落间的结构必须条理清晰，各句之间的衔接自然流畅也是保证连贯的重要标准。

Emphasis（强调）

Emphasis is the principle in which certain parts are stressed so that they stand out from the rest．As in the sentence，the beginning and the end of the paragraph are the places that catch attention．

一段话中总有一些句子表达比较重要的思想或意义，它们必须得到强调，使之与其他句子区别开来。通常一段话的开头和结尾可用于强调段落的中心思想。

The following suggestions will help you use these principles:

对以上原则有下列具体的建议：

a．Use the opening sentence to indicate the topic of your paragraph．

用起始句表明段落的主题思想。

b．Summarize each paragraph with one sentence．

用一句话概括段落的主题思想。

c．Make your opening sentence short．With a short，concise sentence，secure the attention of your readers．They may not be willing to plow through a long，complicated beginning．

起始句通常必须简明、扼要，松散的长句很难吸引读者。

d．Arrange your sentences in a logical order．

将段落中各句按逻辑关系排布。

e．Use transitional expressions or connectives．Doing so will help give your writing the effect of smoothness．The following words and expressions can be used as connectives．

使用过渡或关联词语有助于增强段落的连贯性。

therefore　on the other hand　this，that

however　accordingly　first，second，third

although　for that reason　of course

moreover　not only．．．but also

f．For emphasis place important thoughts at the beginning or at the end of the paragraph．If there is a choice，the end is probably better．Emphasis is the principle of the effective arrangement of the parts to secure attention．In the following paragraph emphasis is secured by putting a short sentence at the end．

重要的思想可置于段落的起始或结束以示强调。通常在文章末尾的效果更为明显，如下例所示。

Do your fuel costs vary at different seasons of the year?Do you have it down in black and white for every month so that you can control and regulate all fluctuations?According to the Rainbow System，the cost of oil，for example，might be $ 1．25 a gallon at one season and only $ 1．00 at another．But the point is—you will know．