Home > English grammar, punctuation, paragraph division, etc.

In the present context of writing (i.e. an English speaking university in North America), proper English grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure are the most significant components of the protocol of written expression and communication between human beings.  Considering the fact that the both author and evaluator of the essay are humans, the aforementioned ingredients are collectively a necessary part of the academic essay. The author uses words according to grammatical rules and punctuation marks in order to signify pauses, related ideas, divide sentences, and in order to convey their message overall. Proper spelling and grammar are basic tools for written communication and, as such, are fundamental components of the essay. This is to the extent where spelling mistakes look extremely untidy and can sometimes indicate carelessness on the part of the author.

As for the division of paragraphs, then each paragraph is intended to delvelop and expand one idea that relates to the essay's central argument. New paragraphs are used for changes in thought, and can typically signfigy departure from one idea to another, and this is anohter facet of communication between the author and reader. Also, just the same way that there must be cohesivness and flow within a sinlge paragraph, the same goes between pararaphs as well.

In order to bridge the paragraphs and link them together, as well as bridge sentences and ideas together, transition words are used. Such connectives aid the evaluator in being able to follow the writer from paragraph to paragraph. These words are well-known to those who have to frequently write academic essays and they are used by such authors to show similarity or contrast (i.e. words such as "likewise", "on the contrary", etc.), summary ("overall", "on the whole"), and order as well ("firstly", etc.), amond other things.