ClearTips: While you write

• Should all sentences in my paragraph relate to its main point?
• Should the sentences in my paragraph have the same structure?
• What's a good way to link the sentences in my paragraph?
• Where can I make a point in my paragraph?
• What kind of material should I use to support my paragraph's main point?
• How do I get my reader's attention in the opening paragraph?
• What are some ways to list details in a paragraph?
• When can I use bullets for a list?
• How can I address misconceptions or opposing views in my paragraph?
• How do I present two sides of an argument?
• How do I use questions in a paragraph?
• Can I start a paragraph with a question?
• How do I answer a question that opens a paragraph?
• How do I use a series of questions?
• Where is the best place to ask a question in a paragraph?
• Do I have to answer the question?
• How can I connect my paragraphs?
• Can I repeat a word or phrase in another paragraph?
• How can I extend my argument across two or more paragraphs?
• What is a clear and direct way to join paragraphs?
• Can I ask a question at the end of a paragraph?
• Is it OK to connect paragraphs with first, second, etc.?
• What if my paragraphs are in chronological order?
• What should I say in the closing paragraph?
• How do I know if my sentence is too long?
• Is it OK to command the reader to do something?
• Can I address my reader as "you"?
• Is it OK to have the occasional long sentence?
• When should I use an exclamation?
• When should a word be italicized?
• How do I treat foreign words?
• Is it OK to repeat a word in a sentence?
• How can sound devices help my writing?
• What is alliteration?
• What are the different ways of using quotations?
• How do I use an indirect quotation?
• Is it OK to open with a quotation?
• How do I shorten a quotation?
• How can I add an informal touch to a sentence?
• What is the difference between commas and parentheses?
• Are contractions acceptable in formal writing?
• What is a compelling way to open a sentence?
• How should I order lists in a sentence?
• How do I use conjunctions like and and but?
• What is the effect of an extra and?
• Should I drop the and at the end of my list?
• Can I start a sentence with and or but?
• When do I use a semicolon?
• When do I use a colon?
• When should I start a sentence with It, There, This, That, or What?

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