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How to write Paragraphs

1. The purpose (and definition) of a paragraph is that it deals with just one
topic or major point of argument in an extended piece of writing.

2. That topic or subject should normally be announced in the opening

sentence, which is for that reason sometimes called a 'topic sentence'.

3. The sentences which immediately follow the topic sentence should

expand and develop the statement, explaining and relating its relevance to
the subject under discussion.

4. This opening statement and amplification should then be followed by

evidence to support the argument being made.

5. You should provide illustrative examples which are discussed as an

explanation of the central idea.

6. The following example is itself the definition of a paragraph:

The central thought or main controlling idea of a paragraph is

usually conveyed in what is called a topic sentence. This crucial
sentence which states, summarises or clearly expresses the main
theme, is the keystone of a well-built paragraph. The topic
sentence may come anywhere in the paragraph, though most
logically and in most cases it is the first sentence. This

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How to write Paragraphs - guidance notes Page 2 of 4

immediately tells readers what is coming, and leaves them in no

doubt about the overall controlling idea. In a very long
paragraph, the initial topic sentence may even be restated or
given a more significant emphasis in its conclusion.

7. These guidelines are based on academic writing, and the standard essay in
particular. But if you grasp the basic structure, it can be adapted for other
types of writing.

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8. Paragraphs in most ordinary prose writing should normally be between

50 words minimum and 200 words maximum in length. They could be
longer if you were explaining a topic in detail in an extended piece of work.

9. Paragraphs in popular journalism (tabloid newspapers) are often quite

short, and in some specialist prose writing (scientific reports) might be very
long.

10. The last sentence of a paragraph should try to round off consideration of
the topic in some way. It may also contain some statement which links it to
the one which comes next.

11. Consecutive paragraphs may be linked with terms such as 'However' and
'On the other hand' so as to provide a sense of continuity and structure in
your exposition. If you are in any doubt however, let them stand separately
and speak for themselves.

12. The recommended structure of a typical paragraph in academic writing

is as follows. It is rather like a smaller version of the structure of a complete
essay.

• The opening topic sentence

• A fuller explanation of the topic sentence
• A discussion of its significance
• Consideration of examples or evidence

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How to write Paragraphs - guidance notes Page 3 of 4

• A concluding sentence

13. What follows is an example taken from an essay written in response to

the question 'Discuss the case for and against political censorship of the
media.'

The arguments against political censorship however can be

made on grounds which are surely just as firm. The moral
arguments usually centre on notions of 'freedom of information'
and the individual's 'right to know'. The legal arguments point
to inconsistencies in current regulations as applied to the
various forms of media (books, television, newspapers) and to
differences in the law between the UK and other western
countries. There are also a number of social and political
arguments ranging from objections of class bias in the
composition of those bodies which frame regulations, to similar
objections to the ownership and control of the various forms of
media. Exploring each one of these arguments in turn, it is
possible to see that the case against political censorship can be
just as strong.

14. The following example [written by the novelist E.M.Forster] shows the
skilful use of an attention-grabbing first sentence, and a concluding
sentence which whets the reader's appetite to know more about the subject:

John Skelton was an East Anglian: he was a poet, also a

clergyman, and he was extremely strange. Partly strange
because the age in which he flourished - that of the early Tudors
- is remote from us, and difficult to interpret. But he was also a
strange creature personally, and whatever you think of him
when we've finished - and you will possibly think badly of him -
you will agree that we have been in contact with someone
unusual.

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How to write Paragraphs - guidance notes Page 4 of 4

help you to clarify and sharpen your written communication skills.

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