1. Structuring a paragraph
1. CTL online resources
2. How many paragraphs? How long?
3. Principles of effective paragraphs
4. Introductory paragraphs
5. Conclusion paragraphs
CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING LIBRARY 3RD FLOOR
09 441-8143 slc-alb@massey.ac.nz
2. 1. CTL ONLINE
RESOURCES
http://owll.massey.ac.nz online writing and
learning link
http://tinyurl.com/albanyctl Centre for
Teaching and Learning, Albany
http://tinyurl.com/6xy9hy podcast
(can also be accessed through OWLL)
http://tinyurl.com/slcvideos video presentations
(can also be accessed through OWLL)
Handouts: http://tinyurl.com/albanyhandouts
3. 2. HOW MANY
PARAGRAPHS
Typical essays will consist of 8 – 14
paragraphs (1200 – 2000 words)
ONE introductory paragraph
Between SIX and TWELVE body paragraphs
ONE concluding paragraph
Handouts: http://tinyurl.com/albanyhandouts
5. 2. SAMPLE PARAGRAPH
PLAN
Discuss how Auckland is planning for growth. (1200 words)
1: intro
2 & 3: future housing needs & plans
4 & 5: future economic needs & plans
6 & 7: future transport needs & plans
8: conclusion
Handouts: http://tinyurl.com/albanyhandouts
6. 2. PARAGRAPH LENGTH
No fixed length, but at undergraduate level
between 100 and 200 words (4 – 8 sentences) is
typical.
Shorter than four sentences? It could be ok,
but have another look in case you haven’t fully
supported your claim.
Over 8 sentences? It could be ok, but have another
look in case some of the details are unnecessary or
it would be better split: two well-focused
paragraphs are better than one fuzzy one.
Handouts: http://tinyurl.com/albanyhandouts
7. 3. EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH
- GOOD OR BAD?
The political challenge of becoming a republic needs to be considered.
Firstly, Australians voted by 55% to 45% against becoming a republic
in the national referendum held on November 6th 1999, with only the
State of Victoria giving a narrow majority in favour of the change
(Campbell, 1999) and New Zealanders are more attached to the
Monarchy than Australians (Singh, 2010). Secondly, like New Zealand,
Canada etc, Australia continues to be governed according to the
authority of the ‘Crown’ as the executive branch of Government, an
authority inherited from the colonial power, Britain (Radley & Foreman,
2003). In New Zealand, the current Governor General is Sir Jerry
Mataparae (New Zealand Government, n.d.). Thirdly, Brown (2003)
points out that Republicanism has traditionally replaced ‘top-down’
authority with a concept of a generalised power of the people and that
diversity and biculturalism are ignored. However, in New Zealand, the
Treaty Principles uphold partnership, protection and participation
(Massey University, 2009). Therefore, it is even harder for New Zealand
to abolish the Monarchy than it was for Australia, where indigenous
rights and biculturalism have been less prominent. The Australian
Premier, Julia Gillard, has said the issue is no longer even on the
agenda (Behan, 2011).
8. 3. PRINCIPLES OF
EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS
By the end of this presentation, you should
have a clear understanding of the problems
which make this original ‘Republic’ paragraph
confusing and hard to read …
… and of the principles which make the
improved ‘Republic’ paragraph (which you
will read in full later) more readable and
convincing.
9. 3. PRINCIPLES OF
EFFECTIVE
PARAGRAPHS
Unity
The paragraph should focus on ONE claim
about ONE topic
Coherence
Each sentence in the paragraph should
build logically on the one before
Development
The paragraph’s claim must be supported with
relevant evidence
10. 3. TOPIC SENTENCE
Paragraph UNITY is made stronger by
including a TOPIC SENTENCE:
usually the first or second sentence
makes a clear and concise claim
this claim ‘controls’ the rest of the
paragraph – nothing should be included in
the paragraph which doesn’t support or
develop the claim made in the topic
sentence
11. 3. TOPIC SENTENCE
EXAMPLE
Can you identify the topic
sentence in this paragraph?
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy released
by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to exceed the
total energy consumed by mankind throughout the world in one
year (Fowles, 2001).
12. 3. COMPONENTS OF A
TOPIC SENTENCE
TOPIC + CLAIM
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy released
by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to exceed the
total energy consumed by mankind throughout the world in one
year (Fowles, 2001).
13. 3. TYPES OF TOPIC
SENTENCE
A claim is basically an answer to a question:
WHO? Hurricanes … mainly affect people of a certain
socio-economic class.
WHAT? Hurricanes … are powerful weather phenomena.
WHERE? Hurricanes … only occur in certain areas.
WHEN? Hurricanes … only occur at specific times of the
year.
WHY? Hurricanes … are caused by certain atmospheric
conditions.
A sentence is a claim if it’s possible to say, “No, that’s not true”
14. 3. EVALUATION OF TOPIC
SENTENCES
Topic sentence in the Original ‘Republic’ Paragraph
The political challenge of becoming a republic
needs to be considered.
… is weak: it introduces the topic (vaguely) but makes
no claim about it.
Topic sentence in the Improved ‘Republic’ Paragraph
TOPIC
Another barrier to the elimination of the
Monarchy is the lack of an alternative concept
of State power.
CLAIM
15. 3. PROBLEMS OF VAGUE
TOPIC SENTENCE
Because the original topic sentence was so vague,
the paragraph includes too much irrelevant detail
Australians voted by 55% to 45% against
becoming a republic in the national
referendum held on November 6th 1999, with
only the State of Victoria giving a narrow
majority in favour of the change ...
... the current Governor General is Sir Jerry
Mataparae
Facts are only worth including if they make any
difference to the claim made in the topic sentence
16. 3. PRINCIPLES OF
EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS
Unity
The paragraph should focus on a single claim
Coherence
Each sentence in the paragraph should
build logically on the one before
Development
The paragraph’s claim must be supported with
relevant evidence
17. 3. TECHNIQUES FOR
GREATER COHERENCE
Coherence can be achieved by creating language
bridges from one sentence to another. This allows the
claim to be supported and developed as the paragraph goes
on. This can be done by:
Repetition and Variation of topic
vocabulary: keeps the focus on the same topic
Back-reference devices: Using ‘this’ /
‘these’ / ‘such’ etc means that each sentence builds
on the one before, helping your argument move
forward
Sentence adverbials: Words or phrases like
‘Moreover’ or ‘On the other hand’ highlight important
steps in the argument – but should not be used too much
or too loosely.
18. 3. EXAMPLE OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
What makes this paragraph coherent?
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy released
by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to exceed the
total energy consumed by mankind throughout the world in one
year (Fowles, 2001).
19. 3. EXAMPLE OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
Repetition and Variation of vocabulary about
the topic (hurricanes) and the claim (exert
power) means that all the sentences are strongly
linked back to the topic sentence
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy released
by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to exceed the
total energy consumed by mankind throughout the world in one
year (Fowles, 2001).
20. 3. EXAMPLE OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
Back-reference … means that each sentence
builds on the one before
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy
released by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to
exceed the total energy consumed by mankind throughout the
world in one year (Fowles, 2001).
21. 3. EVALUATION OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
Original ‘Republic’ Paragraph
The political challenge of becoming a republic needs to be considered.
Firstly, Australians voted by 55% to 45% against becoming a republic
in the national referendum held on November 6th 1999, with only the
State of Victoria giving a narrow majority in favour of the change
(Campbell, 1999). On the other hand, Australians are less attached to
the Monarchy than New Zealanders (Singh, 2010).
Each sentence seems to set off in a new direction, so it’s hard to
follow the argument
Improved ‘Republic’ Paragraph
Another barrier to elimination of the Monarchy is the lack of an
alternative concept of State power. This difficulty is said to explain why
Australians, less attached to the Monarchy than New Zealanders
(Singh, 2010), voted against change in a referendum a decade ago
(Campbell, 1999).
The clear back-reference and the omission of irrelevant details makes
it more coherent and easy to follow.
22. 3. EXAMPLE OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
Sentence adverbials … highlight key ‘moves’ in the
argument (eg important links, contrasts, limitations etc)
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert
tremendous power. These storms are often a hundred
kilometres in diameter, and their winds can reach velocities
well in excess of 120 kph (Snowdon, 2006). With such wind
velocities, typically accompanied by heavy rain, hurricanes have
the potential to completely destroy a small town in a matter of
hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in fact, is the energy
released by a single hurricane that it has been estimated to
exceed the total energy consumed by mankind throughout the
world in one year (Fowles, 2001).
23. 3. EVALUATION OF
PARAGRAPH COHERENCE
Original ‘Republic’ Paragraph
…. uses sentence adverbials – in a desperate
attempt to cover up the lack of real coherence
Firstly, ........ On the other hand, ....... Secondly, ...... Thirdly, .....
However, ....... Therefore, ......
Improved ‘Republic’ Paragraph
…. uses just a couple of sentence adverbials
strategically – to highlight important ‘moves’
... the issue is no longer even on the agenda (Behan, 2011). In the
meantime, like New Zealand, Canada etc, Australia continues to be
governed according to the authority of the ‘Crown’ .... Republicanism
has traditionally replaced this ‘top-down’ authority with a concept of
power of the people. However, this ‘people-power’ concept has been
criticised ......
24. 3. PRINCIPLES OF
EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS
Unity
The paragraph should focus on a single claim
Coherence
Each sentence in the paragraph should
build logically on the one before
Development
The paragraph’s claim must be supported with
relevant evidence
25. 3. CLAIM DEVELOPED
THROUGH EVIDENCE
Hurricanes, also known as cyclones or typhoons, exert tremendous
power. These storms are often a hundred kilometres in diameter,
and their winds can reach velocities well in excess of 120 kph
(Snowdon, 2006). With such wind velocities, typically accompanied
by heavy rain, hurricanes have the potential to completely destroy
a small town in a matter of hours (Jameson, 1987). So great, in
fact, is the energy released by a single hurricane that it has been
estimated to exceed the total energy consumed by mankind
throughout the world in one year (Fowles, 2001).
1. Its size
2. Its speed
3. Its capacity for destruction
4. Its energy
26. 3. INEFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
DEVELOPMENT
Original ‘Republic’ Paragraph
… lacks DEVELOPMENT. Its loosely-connected
ideas create a ‘shopping-list’ effect through:
• Lack of focus on the topic and claim
• Overuse of vague adverbials like ‘Firstly’, ‘Secondly’
• Inclusion of irrelevant details
• Random shifts between NZ and Australia
• Adding one fact after another without explaining
how they support the argument
A shopping-list paragraph takes the reader on a
confusing journey that leads nowhere
27. 3. INEFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
DEVELOPMENT Political challenge must
be considered
Topic
Sentence
Supporting Supporting Supporting
argument 1 argument 2 argument 3
Australians voted Australia etc Sir Jerry Mataparae is
against - Victoria governed by NZ Governor General
voted in favour – authority of Crown
Australia not as keen
on monarchy as NZ
Supporting
argument 5
Supporting
NZ’s treaty
argument 4 principles mean it’s Conclusion
Republics have harder to abolish
people power – but Monarchy
not diverse or Julia Gillard says the
bicultural issue is not on the
agenda in Australia
28. 3. EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
DEVELOPMENT
Improved version
... Uses the same ideas, but ...
• they’ve been more carefully selected (UNITY)
• they’ve been clearly built from one sentence
to the next (COHERENCE)
• the claim made at the beginning is supported,
leading up to a strong conclusion
(DEVELOPMENT)
A well-constructed paragraph tells the reader where they are
going, guides them along the way and lets them know they’ve
reached the destination
29. 3. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
PARAGRAPH
Another barrier to elimination of the Monarchy is the lack of an
alternative concept of State power. This difficulty is said to explain why
Australians, less attached to the Monarchy than New Zealanders (Singh,
2010), voted against change in the referendum a decade ago (Campbell,
1999). The Australian Premier has recently said the issue is no longer
even on the agenda (Behan, 2011). In the meantime, like New Zealand,
Canada etc, Australia continues to be governed according to the authority
of the ‘Crown’ as the executive branch of Government; an authority
inherited from the colonial power, Britain (Radley & Foreman, 2003).
Republicanism has traditionally replaced this ‘top-down’ authority with a
concept of power of the people. However, this ‘people-power’ concept has
been criticised for suppressing diversity and bi-culturalism in favour of
‘One Nation’ (Brown, 2003) and would clearly be especially problematic
for New Zealand, where the Treaty Principles uphold partnership,
protection and participation (Massey University, 2009). If Australia,
where indigenous rights and biculturalism have been less prominent, has
struggled to develop an alternative to the power of the Crown, how much
more difficult would such a process be in New Zealand, where national
identity is a complex and central political issue?
30. 3. EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPH
DEVELOPMENT Another barrier to
elimination of the Monarchy
is developing an alternative
Topic
concept of State power Sentence
Supporting Supporting Supporting
argument 1 argument 2 argument 3
This barrier led to The alternative concept This criticism is
Australians voting to of ‘people power’ has especially valid in the
keep the Monarchy, even been criticised for NZ context of
though they’re not really being monocultural biculturalism.
so keen on it
If this barrier was strong
enough to stop Australia
Conclusion eliminating the monarchy,
it’s going to even more
difficult for NZ to do so
31. 4. INTRODUCTION
PARAGRAPHS
… puts the issue into a context that shows why it’s
both important and problematic
... includes a brief definition of the topic
... briefly previews the structure of the essay
... presents the main argument of the essay in a
thesis statement
32. 4. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
During the early 2000s, the apparent success of the Euro increased
global interest in regional common currencies (Siddiqi, 2003). As
Mundell (2002, p. 4) argued, “if it’s right for Europe to scrap its national
currencies, why is it wrong for other countries to do the same thing?”
Especially, it might be added, when those countries have such strong
cultural, social, economic and historical ties as Australia and New
Zealand. It is unsurprising, therefore that a few years ago, a majority
of New Zealand businesses were said to support a move to a currency
union (Baker, 2007), though support has since slipped against the
background of ongoing problems with the Euro (Brown, 2011).
Currency union would involve the gradual reduction of monetary policy
flexibility between the two nations to the point at which the currencies
cease to be independent (Obiyathulla, 2008) – and can be merged. This
essay will examine the arguments for and against this proposed
currency union, evaluating its possible effects not only on the economy
but also on key sectors of New Zealand society. It will be argued that
although the adoption of a single currency with Australia might
strengthen New Zealand’s financial system and ease international
trade, it is not in New Zealand’s interests because its economy and
society are fundamentally different from those of its more powerful
neighbour.
33. 4. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
During the early 2000s, the apparent success of the Euro increased
global interest in regional common currencies (Siddiqi, 2003). As
Mundell (2002, p. 4) argued, “if it’s right for Europe to scrap its
national currencies, why is it wrong for other countries to do the
context same thing?” Especially, it might be added, when those countries
have such strong cultural, social, economic and historical ties as
Australia and New Zealand. It is unsurprising, therefore that a few
years ago, a majority of New Zealand businesses were said to
support a move to a currency union (Baker, 2007), though support
has since slipped against the background of ongoing problems with
the Euro (Brown, 2011). Currency union would involve the gradual
reduction of monetary policy flexibility between the two nations to
the point at which the currencies cease to be independent
(Obiyathulla, 2008) – and can be merged. This essay will examine
the arguments for and against this proposed currency union,
evaluating its possible effects not only on the economy but also on
key sectors of New Zealand society. It will be argued that although
the adoption of a single currency with Australia might strengthen
New Zealand’s financial system and ease international trade, it is
not in New Zealand’s interests because its economy and society
are fundamentally different from those of its more powerful
neighbour.
34. 4. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
During the early 2000s, the apparent success of the Euro increased
global interest in regional common currencies (Siddiqi, 2003). As
Mundell (2002, p. 4) argued, “if it’s right for Europe to scrap its
national currencies, why is it wrong for other countries to do the
same thing?” Especially, it might be added, when those countries
have such strong cultural, social, economic and historical ties as
Australia and New Zealand. It is unsurprising, therefore that a few
years ago, a majority of New Zealand businesses were said to
support a move to a currency union (Baker, 2007), though support
has since slipped against the background of ongoing problems with
the Euro (Brown, 2011). Currency union would involve the gradual
reduction of monetary policy flexibility between the two nations to
definition the point at which the currencies cease to be independent
(Obiyathulla, 2008) – and can be merged. This essay will examine
the arguments for and against this proposed currency union,
evaluating its possible effects not only on the economy but also on
key sectors of New Zealand society. It will be argued that although
the adoption of a single currency with Australia might strengthen
New Zealand’s financial system and ease international trade, it is
not in New Zealand’s interests because its economy and society are
fundamentally different from those of its more powerful neighbour.
35. 4. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
During the early 2000s, the apparent success of the Euro
increased global interest in regional common currencies (Siddiqi,
2003). As Mundell (2002, p. 4) argued, “if it’s right for Europe to
scrap its national currencies, why is it wrong for other countries
to do the same thing?” Especially, it might be added, when those
countries have such strong cultural, social, economic and
historical ties as Australia and New Zealand. It is unsurprising,
therefore that a few years ago, a majority of New Zealand
businesses were said to support a move to a currency union
(Baker, 2007), though support has since slipped against the
background of ongoing problems with the Euro (Brown, 2011).
Currency union would involve the gradual reduction of monetary
policy flexibility between the two nations to the point at which the
currencies cease to be independent (Obiyathulla, 2008) – and can
be merged. This essay will examine the arguments for and against
this proposed currency union, evaluating its possible effects not
preview only on the economy but also on key sectors of New Zealand
society. It will be argued that although the adoption of a single
currency with Australia might strengthen New Zealand’s financial
system and ease international trade, it is not in New Zealand’s
interests because its economy and society are fundamentally
different from those of its more powerful neighbour.
36. 4. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
During the early 2000s, the apparent success of the Euro increased
global interest in regional common currencies (Siddiqi, 2003). As
Mundell (2002, p. 4) argued, “if it’s right for Europe to scrap its
national currencies, why is it wrong for other countries to do the
same thing?” Especially, it might be added, when those countries
have such strong cultural, social, economic and historical ties as
Australia and New Zealand. It is unsurprising, therefore that a few
years ago, a majority of New Zealand businesses were said to
support a move to a currency union (Baker, 2007), though support
has since slipped against the background of ongoing problems with
the Euro (Brown, 2011). Currency union would involve the gradual
reduction of monetary policy flexibility between the two nations to
the point at which the currencies cease to be independent
(Obiyathulla, 2008) – and can be merged. This essay will examine
the arguments for and against this proposed currency union,
evaluating its possible effects not only on the economy but also on
key sectors of New Zealand society. It will be argued that although
the adoption of a single currency with Australia might strengthen
New Zealand’s financial system and ease international trade, it is
thesis not in New Zealand’s interests because its economy and society
statement are fundamentally different from those of its more powerful
neighbour.
37. 5. CONCLUSION
PARAGRAPHS
THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH typically ...
… rephrases the thesis statement
... highlights the main supporting arguments
... comments briefly on the implications for the
present or future (eg for the world, for NZ, for the
sector, for the field of study etc)
38. 5. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
As we have seen, although a currency union with Australia does
offer certain concrete financial advantages to New Zealand, it is
not in the wider national interests. We have argued that the loss
of control over fiscal policies and the different profile of the
Australian economy within international trade mean that such a
currency union poses unacceptable risks even from a purely
economic viewpoint. Moreover, a currency union would threaten
the social and cultural differentiation from its more powerful
neighbour which New Zealand has worked hard to achieve.
However, the strongest argument against such a move is the fact
that it is unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the current
interrelationship between the two economies. Whether this
positive evaluation will continue to hold in the future will depend
both on the commitment of the two nations to mutual co-
operation as well as the broader monetary environment. In
particular, the emergence of a common currency within Asia may
well require a reconsideration of this question, though the
broader national interests must remain our guiding principle.
39. 5. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
rephrases As we have seen, although a currency union with Australia
thesis does offer certain concrete financial advantages to New
statement Zealand, it is not in the wider national interests. We have
argued that the loss of control over fiscal policies and the
different profile of the Australian economy within international
trade mean that such a currency union poses unacceptable
risks even from a purely economic viewpoint. Moreover, a
currency union would threaten the social and cultural
differentiation from its more powerful neighbour which New
Zealand has worked hard to achieve. However, the strongest
argument against such a move is the fact that it is
unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the current
interrelationship between the two economies. Whether this
positive evaluation will continue to hold in the future will
depend both on the commitment of the two nations to mutual
co-operation as well as the broader monetary environment. In
particular, the emergence of a common currency within Asia
may well require a reconsideration of this question, though
the broader national interests must remain our guiding
principle.
40. 5. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
As we have seen, although a currency union with Australia
does offer certain concrete financial advantages to New
Zealand, it is not in the wider national interests. We have
argued that the loss of control over fiscal policies and the
different profile of the Australian economy within
international trade mean that such a currency union poses
highlights unacceptable risks even from a purely economic viewpoint.
the main Moreover, a currency union would threaten the social and
supporting cultural differentiation from its more powerful neighbour
arguments which New Zealand has worked hard to achieve. However, the
strongest argument against such a move is the fact that it is
unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the current
interrelationship between the two economies. Whether this
positive evaluation will continue to hold in the future will
depend both on the commitment of the two nations to mutual
co-operation as well as the broader monetary environment. In
particular, the emergence of a common currency within Asia
may well require a reconsideration of this question, though
the broader national interests must remain our guiding
principle.
41. 5. EXAMPLE OF EFFECTIVE
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH
As we have seen, although a currency union with Australia
does offer certain concrete financial advantages to New
Zealand, it is not in the wider national interests. We have
argued that the loss of control over fiscal policies and the
different profile of the Australian economy within
international trade mean that such a currency union poses
unacceptable risks even from a purely economic viewpoint.
Moreover, a currency union would threaten the social and
cultural differentiation from its more powerful neighbour
which New Zealand has worked hard to achieve. However, the
strongest argument against such a move is the fact that it is
unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the current
interrelationship between the two economies. Whether this
positive evaluation will continue to hold in the future will
depend both on the commitment of the two nations to mutual
Comments co-operation as well as the broader monetary environment. In
on particular, the emergence of a common currency within Asia
implications may well require a reconsideration of this question, though
the broader national interests must remain our guiding
principle.
