Paragraph
A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent,
and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you
do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into
paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the
subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see
the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.
A paragraph is a series of related sentences developing a central idea, called the topic. Try to
think about paragraphs in terms of thematic unity: a paragraph is a sentence or a group of
sentences that supports one central or a unified idea. Paragraphs add one idea at a time to your
broader argument.
Paragraphs are comprised of sentences, but not random sentences. It is a group of
sentences organized around a central topic
Paragraphs can contain many different kinds of information. A
paragraph could contain a series of brief examples or a single long
illustration of a general point. It might describe a place, character, or
process; narrate a series of events; compare or contrast two or more
things; classify items into categories; or describe causes and effects.
Regardless of the kind of information they contain, all paragraphs
share certain characteristics. One of the most important of these is a
topic sentence.
TOPIC SENTENCES
A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling
idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence.
It means that topic sentence is the central or the main idea of a
paragraph from which a reader gets the overall idea of the matter
discussed in that paragraph.
A topic sentence has several important functions: it unifies the
content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; and it
advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the
paragraph will discuss it.
Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to
determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why
it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the
paragraph. In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place
another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a
sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one
providing background information.
Although most paragraphs should have a topic sentence, there are a
few situations when a paragraph might not need a topic sentence.
For example, you might be able to omit a topic sentence in a
paragraph that narrates a series of events, OR if a paragraph
continues developing an idea that you introduced (with a topic
sentence) in the previous paragraph, or even if all the sentences and
details in a paragraph clearly refer to a main point.
But still, the vast majority of your paragraphs, however, should have
a topic sentence.
Once you have mastered the use of topic sentences, you may decide that the topic
sentence for a particular paragraph really shouldn’t be the first sentence of the
paragraph. This is fine—the topic sentence can actually go at the beginning, middle,
or end of a paragraph; what’s important is that it is in there somewhere so that readers
know what the main idea of the paragraph is and how it relates back to the thesis of
your paper.
If a paragraph has more than one main idea, consider eliminating sentences that relate
to the second idea, or split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only
one main idea.
PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
Most paragraphs in an essay have a three-part structure—
introduction, body, and conclusion. You can see this structure in
every paragraph whether they are narrating, describing, comparing,
contrasting, or analyzing information.
Introduction: the first section of a paragraph; should include the topic
sentence and any other sentences at the beginning of the paragraph
that give background information or provide a transition.
Body: follows the introduction; discusses the controlling idea, using
facts, arguments, analysis, examples, and other information.
Conclusion: the final section; summarizes the connections between
the information discussed in the body of the paragraph and the
paragraph’s controlling idea.
Each part of the paragraph plays an important role in
communicating your meaning to your reader.
COHERENCE
In a coherent paragraph, each sentence relates clearly to the topic
sentence or controlling idea, but there is more to coherence than this.
If a paragraph is coherent, each sentence flows smoothly into the
next without obvious shifts or jumps.
A coherent paragraph also highlights the ties between old information
and new information to make the structure of ideas or arguments
clear to the reader.
Along with the smooth flow of sentences, a paragraph’s coherence
may also be related to its length. For example, if you have written a
very long paragraph, you should check it carefully to see if it should
start a new paragraph. I mean if it is to long, look if you can divide
the paragraph into two paragraphs.
On the other hand, if a paragraph is very short (only two or three
sentences, perhaps), you may need to develop its controlling idea
more thoroughly, or you should combine it with another paragraph.
A number of other techniques that you can use to establish
coherence in paragraphs are described below.
Repeat key words or phrases. Particularly in paragraphs in which you
define or identify an important idea or theory, be consistent in how
you refer to it. This consistency and repetition will bind the paragraph
together and help your reader understand your definition or
description.
Create parallel structures. Parallel structures are created by
constructing two or more phrases or sentences that have the same
grammatical structure and use the same parts of speech. By creating
parallel structures, you make your sentences clearer and easier to
read. In addition, repeating a pattern in a series of consecutive
sentences helps your reader see the connections between ideas. In
the paragraph above about scientists and the sense of sight, several
sentences in the body of the paragraph have been constructed in a
parallel way. The parallel structures (which have been emphasized)
help the reader see that the paragraph is organized as a set of
examples of a general statement.
Be consistent in point of view, verb tense, and number. Consistency
in point of view, verb tense, and number is a subtle but important
aspect of coherence. If you shift from the more personal "you" to the
impersonal “one,” from past to present tense, or from “a man” to
“they,” for example, you make your paragraph less coherent. Such
inconsistencies can also confuse your reader and make your
argument more difficult to follow.
Use transition words or phrases between sentences and between
paragraphs. Transitional expressions emphasize the relationships
between ideas, so they help readers follow your train of thought or
see connections that they might otherwise miss or misunderstand.
In the next slide, there are some of the useful transition you should
write in a paragraph writing
SOME USEFUL TRANSITIONS
To show addition:
again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.),
further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover,
next, too
To give examples:
for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate
To compare:
also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly
To contrast:
although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though,
however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary,
on the other hand, still, though, yet
To summarize or conclude:
all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on
the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up
To show time:
after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before,
during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile,
next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when,
while
To show place or direction:
above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here,
nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)
To indicate logical relationship:
accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason,
hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus
How do you write a paragraph?
A basic paragraph structure usually consists of five sentences: the topic sentence,
three supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. But the secrets to paragraph
writing lay in four essential elements, which when used correctly, can make
an okay paragraph into a great paragraph.
1. Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every
paragraph has one single, controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sentence, which
is typically the first sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main
idea, with the supporting sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to write a
good topic sentence, think about your theme and all the points you want to make.
Decide which point drives the rest, and then write it as your topic sentence.
2. Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences.
Whether you choose chronological order, order of importance, or another logical
presentation of detail, a solid paragraph always has a definite organization. In a wellordered paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pattern you’ve
established. Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion.
3. Element #3: Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing
understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and work
together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition
words. These words create bridges from one sentence to the next. You can use
transition words that show order (first, second, third); spatial relationships (above,
below) or logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact). Also, in writing a paragraph, using a
consistent verb tense and point of view are important ingredients for coherency.
4. Element #4: Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If
all sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea, then your paragraph is
complete. If there are not enough sentences or enough information to prove your thesis,
then the paragraph is incomplete. Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a
topic sentence and concluding sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete.
The concluding sentence or last sentence of the paragraph should summarize your
main idea by reinforcing your topic sentence.
How do you decide what to put in a paragraph?
Before you can begin to determine what the composition of a particular paragraph will be, you must
first decide on an argument and a working topic/thesis statement for your paper. Now think, What
is the most important idea that you are trying to convey to your reader? The information in each
paragraph must be related to that idea. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader
that there is a recurrent relationship between your topic/thesis and the information in each
paragraph. A working thesis functions like a seed from which your paper, and your ideas, will grow.
You should keep in mind certain points as you begin to create paragraphs. Every paragraph in
a paper should be:
 Unified: All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling
idea (often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph).
 Clearly related to the thesis: The sentences should all refer to the central idea, or thesis,
of the paper
 Coherent: The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a
definite plan for development
 Well-developed: Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained
and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s
controlling idea
How do you organize a paragraph?
There are many different ways to organize a paragraph. The organization you choose will depend
on the controlling idea of the paragraph. Below are a few possibilities for organization, with
links to brief examples:
 Narration: in which you Tell a story. And you Go chronologically, from start to finish. (See
an example.)
 Description: Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, sounds,
or feels like. Organize the things in order of appearance, or by topic. (See an example.)
 Process: Explain how something works, step by step. Perhaps you follow a sequence—
first, second, third. (See an example.)
 Classification: Separate texts into groups or explain the various parts of a topic. (See an
example.)
 Illustration: Give examples and explain how those examples support your point. (See an
example in the 5-step process below.).
Tips for Structuring and Writing Better Paragraphs
Whether you’re writing a short paragraph or a long paragraph, each should follow the
same basic rules of structure.
1. Make the first sentence of your topic sentence. The first line of your first
paragraph sets up what information is to come as your audience reads on. Even
in fiction, the introduction of a paragraph either establishes an idea or scenario
or continues one from the paragraph before. Regardless of what format or genre
you’re writing for, every good paragraph starts with a central focus that the rest
of the paragraph will aim to support.
2. Provide support via the middle sentences. These sentences include follow-up
information to your key sentence or previous paragraph. Whatever idea you aim
to convey, these sentences are where you convince your reader to believe or
envision what you do, and give them everything they need to see your point of
view.
3. Make your last sentence a conclusion. Even if it’s not at the end of the piece, a
conclusive sentence can refer to the last line of its own paragraph, which
concludes a particular idea or train of thought before moving on to start a new
line for the next paragraph. This next paragraph can continue on the same idea,
but the ending of each paragraph should briefly summarize the information that
was provided before moving on.
4. Know when to start a new paragraph. A paragraph break is necessary when
starting a new topic, introducing a new speaker.
For example, in a novel, you may start a new paragraph when bringing in a new
character, or specify when a different character is speaking, which can help the
reader separate action text from dialogue more readily.
Paragraph breaks can control the pacing of your writing, and generate particular
feelings or moods for your reader. While there is no set number of sentences
required per paragraph, in some instances, a single paragraph may consist of a
single sentence, but it is acceptable as long as it supports your central idea, and
doesn’t overwhelm your audience with too much information.
5. Use transition words. Transition words help tie together separate paragraphs,
connecting them to form a coherent idea. Phrases like “in addition” or “moreover”
can help readers track your ideas and understand how they relate to each other,
making for a smoother, more pleasant reading experience. This is especially
useful for essay writers and bloggers, who often focus on a singular idea at a time
to share with their audience.
These elements help the coherency of your body paragraphs, tying them
together to unify around an idea, or set up a narrative story.
How long should a paragraph be?
Paragraphs vary in length depending on the needs of the paragraph. Usually, paragraphs are
between one-third and two-thirds of a page double spaced.
A series of long paragraphs can make prose dense and unpleasant to read. Check any paragraph
that is a page or longer to see whether it would work better as two or more paragraphs. Break it at
a logical place (e.g., where your focus shifts), and see whether you need to create new topic
sentences to make the shift clear.
Also look out for short paragraphs only two or three sentences long. They make academic writing
seem disjointed or skimpy. Try combining short paragraphs with the preceding or following
paragraph if they share the same topic. Short paragraphs might also need to be developed further.
Make sure that nothing vital has been omitted.
References
Lunsford, Andrea. 2008. The St. Martin’s Handbook: Annotated Instructor’s Edition, 6th ed. New
York: St. Martin’s.
Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook, 5th ed. New York:
Longman
https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/paragraph-writing-secrets/
https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/planning/paragraphs/
https://rockinresources.com/2014/11/how-to-teach-paragraph-writing.html
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-perfect-paragraph#5-tips-for-structuringand-writing-better-paragraphs