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
ELEMENTS OF A PARAGRAPH
What is the structure of a strong body paragraph? ›
What Is a Body Paragraph? Body paragraphs are units of text that offer supporting evidence to back up the thesis statement of an essay, report, or story. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence.
How do you organize a strong 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.
(1) Writing strong paragraphs requires you to express one single idea by expanding on it through description, example, and explanation. (2A) Logically, starting with the key idea will help you introduce it to your readers, and everything that follows will then seem more familiar to them.
What are the 3 parts of a good paragraph structure? ›
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 seven elements of strong body paragraphs? ›
The conceptual components—direction, movement, and bridges—form the logical makeup of any effective paragraph. The structural elements—topic sentence, transitions, evidence, analysis, and conclusion—are identifiable parts of strong body paragraphs.
What is the basic 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. Once you have this outline, you have the basic template for most academic writing.
How long should a strong paragraph be? ›
Tips on Writing Balanced and Engaging Paragraphs
Try to use around three to five sentences per paragraph. Of course, this may vary, but three to five is a good benchmark when you're first starting out. Paragraphs with more than six sentences may start to lose a reader's attention.
How should body paragraphs be arranged? ›
6 Steps for Writing an Effective Body Paragraph
- Step 1: Write a Topic Sentence. Consider the first sentence in a body paragraph a mini-thesis statement for that paragraph. ...
- Step 2: Unpack the Topic Sentence. ...
- Step 3: Give Evidence. ...
- Step 4: Analyze the Evidence. ...
- Step 5: Prove Your Objective. ...
- Step 6: Provide a Transition.
Expert-Verified Answer
The best order of organizing a body paragraph is this: Topic sentence, evidence from research, explanation of evidence.
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 best paragraph format? ›
Each paragraph should discuss one major point or idea. An effective paragraph has three parts: claim, evidence, and analysis.
How do you write an impressive paragraph? ›
Good paragraphs begin with a topic sentence that briefly explains what the paragraph is about. Next come a few sentences for development and support, elaborating on the topic with more detail. Paragraphs end with a conclusion sentence that summarizes the topic or presents one final piece of support to wrap up.
What are the best paragraph structures? ›
Paragraph structure
- A topic sentence – what is the overall point that the paragraph is making?
- Evidence that supports your point – this is usually your cited material.
- Explanation of why the point is important and how it helps with your overall argument.
Ideas in the paragraph are made emphatic through (1) position in the paragraph, (2) proportion in discussion, (3) the use of parallel grammatical structures, (4) the repetition of key ideas, and (5) the arrangement of ideas in a climate order.
What are the three most popular types of paragraph structures? ›
types of paragraphs
- The descriptive paragraph. The descriptive paragraph describes something and shows the reader what a thing or a person is like. ...
- The narrative paragraph. The narrative paragraph tells a story. ...
- The expository paragraph. The expository paragraph explains something or provides instruction.
Body paragraphs should all work to support your thesis by explaining why or how your thesis is true. There are three types of sentences in each body paragraph: topic sentences, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences.
What is the structure of a strong essay? ›
Every good essay has three basic parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
What is the structure of a paragraph structure? ›
Good paragraphs begin with a topic sentence that briefly explains what the paragraph is about. Next come a few sentences for development and support, elaborating on the topic with more detail. Paragraphs end with a conclusion sentence that summarizes the topic or presents one final piece of support to wrap up.
What are the characteristics that make a very impressive body paragraph? ›
There are three main components to a body paragraph: you'll introduce the main idea (trend or gap), cite evidence from the sources to support it, and explain how the evidence you've presented fits together. Your claim about the trend or gap in the research should be the focus of your topic sentence for your paragraph.
