What Makes a Good Paragraph?

A good paragraph is composed of a topic sentence (or key sentence), relevant supporting sentences, and a closing
(or transition) sentence. This structure is key to keeping your paragraph focused on the main idea and creating a
clear and concise image.

While creative writing does not necessarily follow the traditional paragraph structure, it’s more about scene building
and continuing a narrative. Efficient, well-written paragraphs are a staple of good flash fiction and short fiction
writing, as short stories need to stay more focused on a central idea. As long as your sentences form cohesive ideas
and connect to one another, you can write a good paragraph.

5 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.
While this format is not as rigid when writing fiction as it is for non-fiction, the information or story you craft must
logically or sequentially relate to the next paragraph. These elements help the coherency of your body paragraphs,
tying them together to unify around an idea, or set up a narrative story.

1. 1. Make the first sentence 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. 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. 3. Make your last sentence a conclusion or transition. 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. 4. Know when to start a new paragraph. A paragraph break is necessary when starting a new topic,
introducing a new speaker, contrasting other POVs or ideas, or providing white space to give readers a
pause from a longer paragraph. 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 amount 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. 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.

Practice 1:

Your class has attended a panel discussion on the subject of TV shows that feature members of the public, such as
reality TV shows and talent competitions. You have made the notes below.

Aspects of reality and talent TV shows

 entertainment for viewers

  influence on young people
 effect on participants

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

‘These programmes are just harmless entertainment and there is nothing wrong with them.’
‘The influence these programmes can have on young people can be very bad indeed.’
‘People who take part in these programmes can be damaged by the experience.’

Write a short paragraph/s discussing two of the aspects in your notes. You should explain which aspect you think
is the most important regarding these TV shows and provide reasons to support your opinion.

Practice 2:

Your class has been discussing whether school/college leavers should be forced to do unpaid work if no paid jobs
are available. You have made the notes below:

Arguments for and against forcing young people into jobs that are not paid:

 it gives young people the chance to gain valuable work experience.

 it would benefit society if more young people worked for the local community.
 companies would be exploiting young people as a cheap source of labour.

Some opinions expressed during the discussion:

“If the job needs doing the company should be prepared to pay for someone’s labour.”
“Such a scheme would build confidence in young people who would otherwise be idle”
“It would force young people into dead-end jobs”

Write an essay discussing two of the arguments made for and/or against making young people do unpaid work. You
should explain which argument is more important, giving reasons in support of your answer.