What is a good paragraph?
- A good paragraph is a group of sentences that is unified around ONE central point.
- This point is expressed clearly in a topic sentence.
- This point is then developed in the paragraph through details, examples, and explanations.
- A good paragraph is like a mini-essay; it begins with a clear topic sentence and develops the point in that sentence through examples and discussion.
Guidelines for Writing Good Paragraphs
- Make sure that you and your reader are clear on the ONE main point that the paragraph is trying to make.
- In general, paragraphs in an essay should be about 150-200 words. Avoid overly long paragraphs as they usually cover more than one main point and leave your reader confused. Don’t be afraid to start a new paragraph!
- Avoid one or two sentence paragraphs.
- Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas and/or show the relationship between them. Use transitions to connect the sentences within your paragraphs. Examples of transitional words and phrases include: • Nevertheless • However • Therefore • In addition • As a result • Equally important
- You can also use transitional statements at the beginning and/or end of paragraphs to connect the paragraph to the paragraphs before or after as well as to your thesis