first commit
This commit is contained in:
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
|
||||
# Paragraph Flow
|
||||
|
||||
Use this reference when the user asks whether a paragraph flows, makes sense, or
|
||||
is clear.
|
||||
|
||||
## Core principle
|
||||
|
||||
Flow is not decoration. A paragraph flows when an external reader can identify:
|
||||
|
||||
- the paragraph's single message
|
||||
- how the first sentence announces that message
|
||||
- how each following sentence relates to the previous one
|
||||
- how the paragraph supports the section thesis
|
||||
|
||||
## Reader test
|
||||
|
||||
Read as a skeptical but fair external reader:
|
||||
|
||||
1. Does the paragraph have one explicit message?
|
||||
2. Does the first sentence state what the paragraph is doing?
|
||||
3. Are all key nouns, terms and abbreviations readable without hidden context?
|
||||
4. Does each sentence connect by cause, contrast, consequence, refinement, or example?
|
||||
5. Is any sentence carrying material that belongs in another paragraph?
|
||||
|
||||
## Reverse outlining
|
||||
|
||||
For a section-level flow check:
|
||||
|
||||
1. Write down the section thesis or main claim.
|
||||
2. Write down each paragraph's topic sentence.
|
||||
3. Write down the evidence or explanation under each paragraph.
|
||||
4. Check `topic sentence -> section thesis`.
|
||||
5. Check `evidence -> topic sentence`.
|
||||
6. Revise or remove any paragraph that cannot be mapped cleanly.
|
||||
|
||||
If reverse outlining is hard, the section probably has a hidden structure problem.
|
||||
|
||||
## Repair moves
|
||||
|
||||
- Split paragraphs that contain two messages.
|
||||
- Move definitions before terms are reused.
|
||||
- Replace vague transitions with explicit relations such as `therefore`,
|
||||
`however`, `by contrast`, `for example`, or `as a result`.
|
||||
- Add temporary subsection labels during revision, then remove labels that are
|
||||
not needed in the final manuscript.
|
||||
- Keep paragraph openings claim-first unless the section needs a brief setup.
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user