Logical development of ideas
Each sentence in a paragraph must be placed in a logical
sequence, just like points in an essay. You will find examples of ways
to logically structure your ideas in the section on Essay Writing.
Connectives
Logical development of ideas can also be achieved through repetition of important words and the use of transitional words and phrases known as connectives. Here are some useful examples:
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ordering and evaluating: |
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contrast: |
although; however; whereas; on the other hand; yet; unlike |
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comparison: |
also; in addition; as well as; neither; similarly |
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explaining: |
because; since; therefore; thus; hence; consequently |
Signposts
Connectives can be used to connect sentences in paragraphs,
and also to introduce and connect points in essays. When they are used
to introduce points, they are referred to as signposts because
they indicate the next stage in the argument to the reader, making the
logic and structure of the essay easier to follow.
Examples of a signpost and connectives in a paragraph
Finally, as with all models of learning, information processing has limitations. For example, the model implies that thinking and learning occur in a serial (linear) processing form, whereas we know that thinking and learning are more complex than this (it is a recursive process). Furthermore, the model fails to take into account motivation, emotions and social interaction as elements affecting learning processes. Nevertheless, the model gives teachers many useful starters for considering how information can be structured to facilitate learning.
