Paragraphs are a collection of sentences. They are used in writing to introduce new sections of a story, characters, or pieces of information. Paragraphs help readers to enjoy what has been written because they break the text up into easy-to-read sections.
Basic Paragraph Structure: How to Layout a Paragraph
In non-fiction writing, a body paragraph is any paragraph that comes between the introduction and the conclusion.
A good body paragraph will have the following:
Topic Sentence
What is a topic sentence? A topic sentence is the first sentence of the body paragraph. Simply put, the topic sentence introduces the topic of the paragraph. A good topic sentence will be broad enough to allow for explication but narrow enough that it does not require a paragraph that is too long.
Supporting Sentences
What is a supporting sentence? The supporting sentences of a paragraph are the sentences between the topic sentence and the concluding sentence. The supporting sentences “support” the topic sentence. That is, they explain and elaborate on the point of the paragraph.
Concluding Sentence
What is a concluding sentence? The concluding sentence is the last in the paragraph. It should succinctly end the paragraph and transition to the next paragraph, if appropriate.
Other Features of Paragraphs
A good paragraph contains many elements. Here are just a few of them.
Unity, Coherence
As mentioned above, the ideas in a paragraph should logically fit together. Furthermore, they should flow from one idea to the next.
A paragraph should be organized in a way that it builds appropriately. This could be by a sequence of ideas or events. Additionally, transitions should be used from one sentence to the next that connect the ideas and concepts.
Adequate Development
For a paragraph to be considered “adequate” or “sufficient,” the paragraph should be well-developed. The reader should not be left wanting more information.
Similarly, the paragraph should include enough evidence to support its topic sentence.
Transitions
Good paragraphs have transitions between preceding and proceeding paragraphs. These transitions are logical and verbal.
One paragraph should logically flow to the next. The ideas in a body of work should be organized so each paragraph transitions well to the next. It should not be choppy.
Additionally, verbal transitions within and between paragraphs should help the reader move seamlessly through the piece of writing.
How Long is a Paragraph?
There is no set length to a paragraph. Some paragraphs are only one sentence in length. However, a short paragraph like that should be left only to the expert writer—or a specific style of writing. You wouldn’t find a single-sentence paragraph in a research paper or academic journal.
Paragraphs need to be long enough to express any given idea (long enough to thoroughly explain the topic sentence).
Summary: What are Paragraphs?
Define paragraph: the definition of a paragraph is a group of the sentence in which a single topic is developed.
In summary, a paragraph is:
- a unit of writing
- used in non-fiction and fictional prose
- a part of writing that expresses a certain topic
How to Write Good Paragraphs
Paragraphs
- A paragraph consists of a single theme throughout its body.
- The theme/topic of the paragraph is clearly stated at the beginning of the paragraph.
- Details, definitions, support, examples, and/or evidence should follow the topic sentence.
- The paragraph should end in a way that smoothly connects to the next paragraph.
Topic Sentence
- The topic sentence is the statement at the beginning of each body paragraph signifying the topic of that paragraph.
- The topic sentence should pull from one of the main points stated in the thesis.
- Examples:
- Thesis Statement: Digital technology affects youth in the social, emotional, and cognitive areas of their lives.
- First Topic Sentence: With social media in their pockets, youth have an entirely different social method than that of previous generations.
- Notice that the first topic sentence refers to the first main point in the thesis. Paragraphs should continue in this way, though more than one paragraph can be attributed to each point if necessary.
Content
- Following the topic sentence should be the details. The next sentences that make up the rest of the paragraph should support your topic sentence.
- This can include definitions or further descriptions of the topic.
- Examples:
- Topic Sentence: Writing can be considered an art form.
- Next Sentence: Art is defined as an expression or product that is more than simply ordinary.
- The definition of art is being used to prove the point in the topic sentence: writing is art.
Evidence and Quotations
- Evidence and support should also be given to prove the point of the topic sentence.
- If outside sources are used to give material for this support, then an explanation is needed.
- Examples:
- Quotation: Art is defined as an expression or product that is more than simply ordinary.
- Explanation: Writing is a way that people can use to express themselves and make beautiful compositions; therefore, writing can be an art form.
End of Paragraph
- Conclude the topic of the paragraph in the last sentence or two.
- Do your best to end the paragraph with your own words. Do not end it with a quoted source or citation.
- Be sure to make the last sentence a smooth transition into the next paragraph.