Chronology

Begin with what happened first and take it from there.

Example

At the start of 2000, the price of combination antiretroviral drugs to treat one patient for one year was typically between US$ 10 000 and US$ 12 000. By the end of 2000, prices of US$ 500 to US$ 800 were approved for patented and generic drugs for low- and middle-income countries. By December 2001, certain combinations became available for US$350 per person per year.

Typical connectors: first, second, third before, after, when, later

Classification and listing

Arrange examples to support the claim made in the topic sentence.

Example

Because of new policies and the new data about the epidemiology of TB-HIV in the Region, the Western Pacific Regional Office recognized that updates to the previous regional framework were needed. The goal of this updated framework is, therefore, to draw on global documents, along with relevant recently published evidence, to improve TB-HIV control through the following primary means. First, national TB programmes and national AIDS programmes need to work collaboratively to decrease the case-fatality rate for persons with both TB and HIV through earlier detection of TB and HIV and appropriate management of people with both. Second, as one of the steps to achieve this, new approaches are needed to improve the rates of HIV testing among TB patients and of TB screening among people living with HIV. Third, TB laboratories must be expanded to meet the challenges of diagnosing TB and drug-resistant TB in people living with HIV. Finally, TB infection control measures must be scaled up to prevent transmission of disease within health facilities, a step made even more important in the era of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB and extensively drug- resistant (XDR) TB.

Typical connectors: first, second, third, finally, also

Evidence and illustration

Support a claim made by the topic sentence.

Example

Some things are changing straight away. For example, insurers can no longer refuse coverage for children, deny coverage to children with pre-existing illnesses or set lifetime coverage limits. Dependent adults younger than 26 will remain covered by their parents' policy if they are not offered health coverage at work. Small companies (with 25 or fewer employees with an average wage of up to US$ 50 000) can get tax credits to offset up to 35% of the cost of premiums this year, rising to 50% in 2014.

Typical connectors: for example, for instance, in other words

Compare and contrast

Demonstrate similarities or differences between two or more people or things.

Example

Although West/Central Africa’s drinking-water coverage improved from 49 per cent in 1990 to 55 per cent in 2004, it needs to reach a far target of 75 per cent by 2015. The total number of people in the region without access to improved drinking-water sources actually increased over the 1990–2004 period. In Eastern/Southern Africa, the situation for access to drinking water is similar, as the region improved coverage from 48 per cent in 1990 to 56 per cent in 2004 but faces a target of 74 per cent. In CEE/CIS, meanwhile, coverage has stagnated at 91 per cent; its 2015 goal is 96 per cent.

Typical connectors: although, but, whereas, however, meanwhile, similarly, in the same way 

Question and answer

Ask a question and let the rest of the paragraph provide the answer.

Example

It has been several years since PAHO opted for the use of new information technologies in the production of educational materials and technical information resources; however, with this material we have both reinforced and made a significant qualitative leap forward with regard to this option. In what way? This multimedia tool makes more intensive use of more sophisticated, efficient technologies and combines different resources and uses, making it much more versatile and easy to use while enhancing its didactic potential. In its design and development, videos, graphic animation in two or three dimensions, images, sound, text, graphic presentations and technical publications are combined, creating a virtual learning environment or atmosphere in order to learn all there is to know about the safe hospital. 

Cause and effect

One condition produces an effect or causes are determined for a particular condition.

Example

In all countries, enforcing the laws that do exist remains a challenge. As a result, violence against children goes unpunished.  There is much to be done to train and support law enforcement and judicial personnel to understand the key role they play in protecting children against violence.

Typical connectors: because (of), therefore, as a result (of), consequently, for this reason, since