REVISING FOR FLOW AND CONSISTENCY

We’ve been analysing writing at the level of individual words and phrases, and looking at revision techniques and some of the mechanics of writing style. We’ll now look at how the effective writing principles we’ve introduced can be applied to the overall document. We’ll examine writing style in terms of establishing a logical flow of ideas.

Earlier in the module, in both Prewriting and Drafting, you looked at techniques for organizing ideas – using an outline or a hierarchy to establish a logical flow, and working with the paragraph as your primary organizing unit.

The paragraph is still your main building block. Remember that a well-written paragraph supports a single main idea, one main message. The logical flow is your way of guiding your readers, helping them remember what you want them to know, and providing them with the means of hearing and accepting your message.

© WHO 2011