Is it permissible to use subconclusions for argumentative paragraphs if they contain multiple arguments in support of the main point?
Argumentative paragraphs often contain a topic sentence that states the main point, and the main point tends to be supported by multiple arguments that are introduced throughout the paragraph as First, Second, and Last. My question is whether I, in the case of a long paragraph, can use subconclusions (such as a sentences beginning with Thus, So, or Therefore etc.) for the First and or Second arguments, or whether I always have to wait and summarize all points in a final concluding sentence? The paragraph would be structured as follows:
Beginning of the paragraph
Topic sentence
Argument 1
So, this is why argument 1 ...
Argument 2
Thus, argument 2 implies ...
Argument 3
Concluding sentence
End of the paragraph.
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1 answer
It is certainly permissible because outside of specific educational programs, there are no prohibitions on paragraph structure that would make it impermissible. That topic-sentence etc. model is simply a particular systems of training wheels and there are innumerable good paragraphs that don't fit the model. Indeed, writing would be tedious if they did. In particular, summarizing points in a concluding sentence is laborious and unnecessary most of the time. Paragraphing today has more to do with the ergonomics of reading (breaking up long paragraphs for readability) than the structure of argument. And, finally, note that this paragraph is an example of the kind of paragraph you are describing.
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