Identify Good and Bad Paragraphs
Compare the following two paragraphs. One of them exemplifies all the elements of a well-written paragraph. The other does not. See if you can tell which is which.
Begin by thinking about the clarity of the topic sentences—the first sentence of each paragraph. Does the topic sentence make the main message of the paragraph clear? Also consider the coherence of the two examples. Watch for sentences that do not seem to support the paragraph’s main message, and sentences that do not seem to be relevant to the rest of the paragraph. After you have thought about these points, click Continue.
| Paragraph 1 | Paragraph 2 |
Establishing rural financial systems involves identifying which financial systems are appropriate for the region in question. Low population density and difficult-to-reach remote areas in many countries translate into high transaction costs for financial institutions contemplating an entry into these areas. Limited economic opportunities in many rural areas result in small transactions, further increasing overall transaction costs. Rural financial systems offer particular challenges that do not seem to affect countrywide systems. |
In addition to the challenges inherent in developing countrywide financial systems, establishing rural financial systems encompasses many specific challenges. For example, with low population density and difficult-to-reach remote areas in many countries, transaction costs are high. Also, limited economic opportunities in many rural areas result in small transactions, further increasing overall transaction costs. |