What is a paragraph?
It is a group of related sentences that develop one main idea. All sentences in a
paragraph speak about one aspect of a topic and discuss one main subject. 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 organizing 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!
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?
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
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.
Writing logical paragraphs
Organising the sentences in your paragraph according to a logical order helps the
reader to follow the development of your ideas
Some common kinds of logical order are:
Chronological order
Comparison/contrast
Logical division of ideas
Order of importance
Cause and effect
Each kind of order uses particular words and phrases (transition words) to show the
relationships between ideas. For example in a paragraph using chronological order,
you would use expressions of time: first, next, after that, finally, before the last
war, after 2010, since then,
In a paragraph describing differences (contrast), you would use expressions like
these: the most significant difference, larger than, unlike, on the other hand, in
contrast, differ from
In a paragraph showing similarities (comparison), you would use expressions such
as: similarity, similarly, as expensive as, just as, just like, compare with, in
comparison
Logical division of ideas simply means that ideas are grouped together, and each
group is discussed accordingly. They may be introduced in order of importance, or
in some other order that makes sense to the reader. You would use transition words
such as firstly, secondly, thirdly to introduce each group.
A cause and effect paragraph uses transition words that express reasons and results,
such as: the first cause, the next reason, because of ... the first effect, as a result,
therefore
Strong writers frequently combine the features of different types of paragraphs in
order to successfully express their ideas and to suit the purpose of their writing.
Using clear paragraph structure is essential, as it helps the reader to follow your
meaning.
What is unity in a paragraph?
Unity in a paragraph means that the entire paragraph should focus on one single
idea. The supporting details should explain the main idea. The concluding sentence
should end the paragraph with the same idea. Thus, a unified paragraph presents a
thought, supports it with adequate details and completes it with a conclusion.
What is coherence in a paragraph?
Coherence means establishing a relationship between the ideas presented in a
paragraph. It brings about a rationale in the arrangement of the ideas which are
introduced either in the chronological order or in the order of importance. Besides,
transitions that compare, contrast, illustrate, add or show cause and effect build
logical bridges. The ideas, thus expressed in the paragraph, flow smoothly from
one to the other in a logical sequence. This helps the reader to understand the
paragraph.
