+Theme L.+—­Write a theme of three or more paragraphs, stating causes and effects.

Suggested subjects:—­
    1.  Why hospitals are necessary.
    2.  Why cigarette smoking is dangerous.
    3.  Why girls should take music lessons.
    4.  The effect of climate upon health.
    5.  The effect of rainfall upon the productivity and industries of a
        country.
    6.  The effect of mountains, lakes, or rivers upon exploration and
        travel.
    7.  What connection is there between occupation and height above the
        sea level, and why?
    8.  Why our city is located where it is.
    9.  Why I came late to school.

+93.  Combination of Methods of Development.+—­Frequently the presentation of our thought is made most effective by using some combination of the methods of development discussed in this chapter.  Time and place are often interwoven, comparisons and contrasts flash into mind, general statements need specific illustration, or results demand immediate explanation—­all in the same theme.  Sometimes the order of coherence will be in doubt, for cause and effect demand a different order of statement from that which would be given were we to follow either time-order or position in space.  In such cases we must choose whether it is most important to tell first why or when or where.  The only rule that can be suggested is to do that which will make our meaning most clear, because it is for the sake of the clear presentation of our thought that we seek unity, coherence, and emphasis.

+Theme LI.+—­Write a theme of several paragraphs.  Use any method of development or any combination of methods.

(Choose your own subject.  After the theme is written make a list of all the questions you should ask yourself about it.  Correct the theme with reference to each point in your list of questions.)

SUMMARY

1.  General principles of composition.
    a. Unity.
    b. Coherence.
    c. Emphasis.
        (1) By position.
        (2) By proportion of parts.

2.  An outline assists in securing unity, coherence, and emphasis.

3.  Methods of composition development:  A composition may be developed—­
    a. With reference to time-order.
    b. With reference to position in space.
    c. By use of comparison and contrast.
    d. By stating generalization and facts.
    e. By stating cause and effect.
    f. By any suitable combination of the above methods.

4.  Transition and summary paragraphs may occur in compositions.

VI.  LETTER WRITING