MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Paragraph transitions: Think pearls beaded upon a string. Think train cars coupled. This UCSB guide is helpful with words that serve nicely as transition elements.  This writing guide emphasizes the value of repeating key words as a transition strategy. Now, think about transitions between sentences WITHIN paragraphs as another way to achieve cohesion.

"Meh" paragraph
Plastic and paper cups pose problems for recycling. Ceramic cups are very energy intensive to produce. Recycling seems environmentally-sound.  Paper does not degrade deep within most landfills and the plastic coating is also difficult.  Not all plastic can be recycled.  You need to check the bottom of the container.  Landfills are increasingly full.  There is a huge "patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean.

Better paragraph
Paper and plastic both pose disposal problems.  First, not all plastic can be recycled. Check the bottom of the plastic container. "No. 1" and "No. 2" types can be recycled by most facilities. Second, paper does not degrade deep within most landfills because of low oxygen conditions. The plastic coating also interferes with decay. Landfills are increasingly full.  There is a huge "patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean.

Even better paragraph (can you see the re-thinking of content as well as sentence-level revision)
Paper and plastic both pose disposal problems.  First, not all plastic can be recycled. Check the bottom of the plastic container. "No. 1" and "No. 2" types can be recycled by most facilities. Second, paper does not degrade deep within most landfills because of low oxygen conditions. The plastic coating also interferes with decay. Landfills are increasingly full, with paper and plastic part of the waste stream. Not all plastic is recycled or landfilled. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) a huge "patch of garbage in the Pacific Ocean is further evidence of of the environmental harm posed by plastic.

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A few grammar, punctuation, and style conventions for you to keep in mind:

1. punctuation with quote marks (nice summary  here at Grammar Monster)
2. colon and semi colon use (start here with The Oatmeal's take)
3. That-which: which takes a comma; that does not! See this  handout on choosing which and that.
4. Empty subjects DRAFT HANDOUT.
5. hyphens are little and used with words; dashes are longer and used between words (See this guide from DOOK)
   1. setting off appositives (dashes NOT hyphens; use with caution)
      1. Brian May -- lead guitarist for Queen -- holds a doctorate in physics.
      2. Brain May -- PhD in astrophysics -- was the guitarist for the rock group Queen.
   2. some words where hyphens are helpful
      • fast-sailing ship and fast sailing ship