There are two possible solutions: (1) a heading or (2) an introduction.
Solution One
A heading could be created followed by a paragraph - or two - each for A, B and C, followed by a paragraph explaining how combined they determine X. Thus:
The role of A, B, and C in determining X
Paragraph(s) about A
Paragraph(s) about B
Paragraph(s) about C
Paragraph(s) about the combination of A, B & C.
This solution is usually most appropriate for theses, dissertations and long essays.
The usefulness of headings should not be underestimated. They can, and should, contain a lot of information. Consider this simple heading:
The Reproductive Habits of the Bear
In some cases this may be appropriate, but more details can easily be introduced to increase coherence, clarity and momentum:
A Comparison of the Reproductive Habits of the Grizzly and Brown Bear
or even
The Impact of Habitat Depletion on the Reproductive Habits of the Grizzly and Brown Bear
The following title would be appropriate for a chapter in a thesis or a whole dissertation.
The Impact of Habitat Depletion on the Reproductive Habits of the Grizzly and Brown Bear: a Comparitive Analysis based on Data from the Rockies and the Urals
Solution Two
The alternative to a heading is to anticipate the argumentation in the introduction. For example, this might appear somewhere in the first paragraph of the essay:
After outlining the importance of X to achieve Y, I will examine the role of A, B and C in determining X. I will then focus on Q to illustrate …
This is especially effective in essays of under 3,000 words where the introductory paragraph can establish the pattern of argumentation and coherence in the whole essay. The paragraphs dealing with A, B and C might be half way through the essay but the coherence established in the introduction will still operate. Consider this example:
Joint operations mean the sharing of doctrines, strategies, information and concepts between more than one service or all services (Army, Navy, Airforce, and Intelligence) to achieve a military or political objective. With more joint operation exercises being conducted today than at any other time since World War II, the relationships, and in some cases rivalries, between branches of the armed forces has become more complex. While many military professionals and analysts believe that joint operations increase the effectiveness of the overall military services, some remain sceptical. The leading proponents of jointness have been Americans. This is natural because America is now the only military superpower. An important question, however, is whether these American ideas can be transferred to military situations in other parts of the world. The doctrine of jointness has not been very evident or important in the wars in Bosnia, Zaire and Chechnia, for example.
How would you expect the essay to continue? Sketch a possible plan of paragraphs.
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© 2002 Martin Paterson