Principles of good writing

• The goal of good writing is to identify the properties of a well-written text based on organization, coherence, cohesion, language use and mechanics.
• The goal of good writing is to understand the important principles in writing and implement them in compositions.

Unity

• Writing with unity ensures that a clear composition is achieved
• In writing, focus on ONE main idea.
• Writing will be muddled with multiple unrelated ideas.
• Every sentence in supporting and concluding sentences should relate to the main idea introduced in the topic sentence.

Cohesion

• Cohesion challenges you to make the chain of sentences stick together.
• Cohesion can be achieved by transitional devices

Transitional Words and Phrases

• To signal addition of ideas: and, also, besides, further, furthermore, too, moreover, in addition, then, of equal importance, equally important, another.
• To signal time: finally, later, last, lastly, at last, now, subsequently, then, when, soon, thereafter, after a short time, the next week (month, day, etc.), a minute later, in the meantime, meanwhile, on the following day, at length, ultimately, presently.
• To signal order or sequence: first, second, (etc.), finally, hence, next, then, from here on, to begin with, last of all, after, before, as soon as, in the end, gradually.
• To signify space and place: above, behind, below, beyond, here, there, to the right (left), nearby, opposite, on the other side, in the background, directly ahead, along the wall, as you turn right, at the tip, across the hall, at this point, adjacent to.
• To signal an example: for example, to illustrate, for instance, to be specific, such as, moreover, furthermore, just as important, similarly, in the same.
• To show results: as a result, hence, so, accordingly, as a consequence, consequently, thus, since, therefore, for this reason, because of this.
• To signal purpose: to this end, for this purpose, with this in mind, for this reason, for these reasons.
• To signal comparisons: like, in the same (like) manner or way, similarly.
• To indicate contrast: but, in contrast, conversely, however, still, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, and yet, on the other hand, of course, on the contrary, or, in spite of this, actually, a year ago, now, notwithstanding, for all that, strangely enough, ironically.
• To signal alternatives, exceptions, and objections: although, though, while, despite, to be sure, it is true, true, I grant, granted, I admit, admittedly, doubtless, I concede, regardless.
• To dispute: it isn't true that, people are wrong who say that, deny that, be that as it may, by the same token, no doubt, we often hear it said, many people claim, many people suppose, it used to be thought, in any case.
• To intensify: above all, first and foremost, importantly, again, to be sure, indeed, in fact, as a matter of fact, as I have said, as has been noted.
• To summarize or repeat: in summary, to sum up, to repeat, briefly, in short, finally, on the whole, therefore, as I have said, in conclusion, as you can see.

Order

• In writing, you need to present ideas in a logical manner so readers can follow with ease.
• An outline creates order in writing.
• Effective ways of achieving order are chronological, spatial, and climactic order.

Chronological order

• Chronological order is appropriate when developing a narrative.
• Events in a story happen in order from beginning to end.
• Writing in chronological order helps the reader follow a story.

Spatial order

• Spatial order is helpful when writing about spaces and positioning.
• Spatial order explains or describes objects as they are arranged around you in your space.
• Spatial order creates a picture for readers.

Climactic order

• Climactic order highlights the more significant details in a topic.
• Climactic order organizes details to builds interest.
• Interest built by placing the most important detail at the beginning or end.