A paragraph develops ONE main idea through a series of related sentences. This main idea is usually introduced in the first sentence of the paragraph, called the topic sentence. The idea is then developed further through the sentences that follow.
A paragraph is usually around 250 words and consists of five or six sentences, although this can vary depending on the purpose of the paragraph, and the length of the piece you are writing. Paragraphs play an important role in writing because they provide a framework for organising your ideas in a logical order. Using a clear structure for your paragraphs helps guide the reader through your written work.
Paragraph Structure
A useful way of understanding paragraph structure is to think of it as a block that is divided into three sections: the beginning, the middle, and the end.
A basic paragraph follows this structure:
Topic Sentence (TS) - the beginning - Needs to state ONE idea clearly
- Useful Tip: Always put the most important information first!
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Supporting Sentences (SS) - the middle - Elaborates and explains the idea introduced in the topic sentence
- Provides evidence and examples
- Explains the evidence or example included - why is it relevant?
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Concluding Sentence (CS) - the end - Makes links: back to the main idea of the paragraph; back to research question or topic of the assignment; to the next paragraph
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When to start a new paragraph:
- Start new main points or new ideas in a new paragraph. If you have an extended idea across multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
- Use a new paragraph to introduce a contrasting or different position. Use a clear topic sentence to identify the main idea.
- If the paragraph becomes too long or the material is overly complex, you will need to create a break to make your writing more readable. Try splitting long paragraphs into two shorter paragraphs. This means you will need to write a new topic sentence at the start of the new paragraph.
- Introductions and conclusions are usually written as separate paragraphs.
FAQs
One simple model for paragraph structure is PEEL: Point, Evidence, Evaluation, Link (to the assignment topic or next paragraph).
How do you organize a strong complete paragraph? ›
Organizing Paragraphs
- Classification. Break down your main message into smaller categories. ...
- Chronological. After the topic sentence, begin with what happened first and take it from there. ...
- Evidence and Illustration. Support your topic sentence with examples. ...
- Contrast and Comparison. ...
- Cause and Effect.
Three important qualities to a successful paragraph:
- Unity = it is focused on one main idea.
- Coherence = its parts are clearly related.
- Development = the main idea is supported with specifics (details, evidence, interpretation)
Elements of a Paragraph A paragraph is made up of a topic sentence, the developing details, and a concluding sentence. It is important to fully develop and discuss the topic of your paragraph. If your paragraph is only 2-3 sentences, there is a good chance that you have not developed it enough.
What are the elements of a strong paragraph? ›
There are four essential elements that an effective paragraph should consistently contain: unity, coherence, a topic sentence, and sufficient development. In order for a paragraph to maintain a sense of unity, the paragraph must focus solely on a single idea, point, or argument that is being discussed.
What is the structure of a strong body paragraph? ›
A good paragraph should contain at least the following four elements: Transition, Topic sentence, specific Evidence and analysis, and a Brief wrap-up sentence (also known as a warrant) –TTEB!
How should your paragraphs be structured? ›
Your paragraphs guide your reader through the paper by helping to explain, substantiate, and support your thesis statement or argument. Each paragraph should discuss one major point or idea. An effective paragraph has three parts: claim, evidence, and analysis.
How long should a strong paragraph be? ›
The ideal length of a paragraph is 100–200 words with a maximum of five sentences. This allows the readers to get a good grasp of what the topic is about. An ideal paragraph consists of an introductory sentence, 2–3 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
What are the 5 paragraph structure? ›
The five-paragraph essay consists of one introduction paragraph (with the thesis at its end), three body paragraphs (each beginning with one of three main points) and one last paragraph—the conclusion. 1-3-1.
What are some strategies to write effective paragraphs? ›
Presentation
- Step 1: Topic Sentence. Focus your paragraph with a topic sentence. ...
- Step 2: Supporting Details. Develop your paragraph with supporting details. ...
- Step 3: Concluding or Transitional Sentence. Depending on the purpose of your paragraph, you will either write a concluding sentence or a transitional sentence.
- Step 1: Decide on a guiding idea for the paragraph and create a topic sentence. ...
- Step 2: Explain the guiding idea. ...
- Step 3: Give an example (or multiple examples). ...
- Step 4: Explain the example(s). ...
- Step 5: Complete the paragraph's idea or draw a conclusion.
Tips to Write a Good Paragraph
- Think Before You Write. ...
- Open Your Notebook. ...
- Choose the Main Idea. ...
- Use a Dictionary and Thesaurus. ...
- Make Your Topic Sentence's First Sentence. ...
- The Intermediate Sentences Should be Used to Provide Support. ...
- Make Use of Transitional Words.
A good example of a paragraph contains a topic sentence, details and a conclusion. 'There are many different kinds of animals that live in China. Tigers and leopards are animals that live in China's forests in the north. In the jungles, monkeys swing in the trees and elephants walk through the brush.
What is the first sentence of a paragraph called? ›
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence of the paragraph because it gives an overview of the sentences to follow. The supporting sentences after the topic sentence help to develop the main idea. These sentences give specific details related to the topic sentence.
What makes an effective paragraph? ›
A good paragraph contains three distinct components: a topic sentence, body, and concluding sentence. The topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph combined with the writer's attitude or opinion about the topic.
What is the correct structure of a paragraph? ›
Each paragraph should discuss one major point or idea. An effective paragraph has three parts: claim, evidence, and analysis.
What is the structure of an effective essay? ›
Every good essay has three basic parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. This simple guide will show you how to perfect your essay structure by clearly introducing and concluding your argument, and laying out your paragraphs coherently in between.
What is the most useful method of paragraph development? ›
Paragraphs can be organized and developed in many different ways: a narrative of events in chronological order, a series of descriptive details that create a verbal image, explication of an idea using specific examples, argument based on logical reasoning, and so on.
