ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION INFO SHEET
Academic Writing: Paragraph Structure (AW: PS)
Learn about: A paragraph usually has three parts: a topic sentence,
the structure of an academic supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. It is
paragraph, and a good idea to plan your paragraph first using a
how to write a paragraph plan. graphic organiser (planner). This will help you to focus
See Info Sheet on essay structure. your research and plan your ideas logically before
developing a draft.
Paragraph Graphic Organiser
Topic Sentence: This sentence states the main idea or argument of the paragraph. The topic
sentence of each paragraph usually relates to the central argument of the essay (thesis statement).
Avoid adding examples or evidence here. This sentence written in your own voice.
Explain It: Sometimes a key word or phrase that is used in the topic sentence needs to be
explained or defined. This is optional, and the writer will decide whether this is necessary.
Supporting Sentences:
These sentences provide evidence to prove the main point or argument of the topic
sentence i.e. use the arguments of expert sources, research findings and statistics.
When planning a paragraph, use dot points to identify key supporting ideas. Add citation
details to each dot point.
The depth and breadth of your arguments will depend on the word count and assessment
requirements.
Concluding Sentence: This sentence summarises the evidence as it relates to the topic sentence.
Your turn: Look at the paragraph plan overleaf. With a highlighter, go through the graphic organiser
and identify the following points:
1. Locate the key words of the topic sentence used to identify the main idea of the paragraph.
2. Find words or phrases in the supporting sentences that prove the main idea of the paragraph.
3. Locate key words of the concluding sentence used to summarise the evidence in the
paragraph.
AW: PS: APA 04.03.19 1
Academic Writing: paragraph Structure (AW: PS APA)) 2
Paragraph Planning: Graphic Organiser
Topic Sentence:
At present, the Federal and State Governments are introducing new community based programs to
combat the childhood obesity epidemic.
Supporting Sentence:
New Australian health awareness package introduced to address increasing inactivity and poor
eating habits in children (Commonwealth of Australia 2018, p. 1).
The Go for 2 Fruit and 5 Veg campaign for children: Targets parents and carers to raise
awareness and provide information on balanced diet (Commonwealth of Australia 2018, p. 1).
Kids on Track Gold coast program: Looks at the impact of parenting intervention for children 3-
10 with on medical conditions (Queensland Government 2018).
Program aim: Support parents through nutrition, physical activity and family behavioural change
to address the health issues of their child (+ brief explanation of team involved) (Queensland
Government 2018, p. 1).
The effectiveness of this program will determine if it will be used by other Queensland Health
Service districts.
Concluding Sentence:
The Commonwealth and State Governments have taken the first step towards combating the
incidence of childhood obesity with support for programs that educate families about healthier eating
and behaviours.
Your turn again
Now make your own set of graphic organisers, and use them to plan your paragraphs.
1. Write an essay plan first to get an overview. Use the Academic Essay and Essay Plan info
sheets to assist you.
2. Attempt a draft of the full topic sentence at this point.
3. Use dot points with citation details to plan the supporting sentences. The Five W and H
questions (who, what, when, where, why and how), or the cause and effect or problems and
solutions structures can help to expand these ideas.
4. Once you have identified your key points, you can attempt a draft of the full concluding
sentence at this point.
5. After planning your paragraphs, write your first draft. Use the Text Connective info sheet to help
with the flow of your writing.
