How to Write Paragraphs
Using Paragraphs to Organize Writing
Paragraphs are the building blocks of essays, stories and other forms of academic writing. Effectively using paragraphs and writing good paragraphs improves student writing and makes both fiction and non-fiction easier to read and understand.
What is a Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences. Some writing instructors specify that a paragraph must be at least five sentences long, however there is no minimum number of sentences required for a paragraph to be a paragraph.
A paragraph must only be as long as it need to be. The length of a paragraph may vary based on its purpose.
Functions of a Paragraph
When writing paragraphs it is important to keep the function of the paragraph in mind. Paragraphs have many functions:
- Express an idea
- Introduce a topic
- Support a thesis
- Conclude an essay
- Describe someone or something
- Describe somewhere or sometime
- Share dialogue
The function of a paragraph will determine its structure. When learning how to write paragraphs, consider the paragraph's function to determine how to best structure the paragraph.
Structure of a Paragraph
A paragraph has three basic parts:
- Topic sentence
- Supporting sentence(s)
- Transition sentence
These three basic parts of a paragraph are usually present in non-fiction paragraphs and essays.
When writing paragraphs for a short story or other work of fiction all three parts of a paragraph may not be needed. This may be confusing when first learning how to write a paragraph, however it is helpful to keep in mind when a new paragraph will be needed.
Sometimes in fiction writing all three parts of a paragraph are not needed because a new paragraph is required every time the character speaking changes. Because people do not speak in complete paragraphs, sometimes paragraphs in works of fiction or short stories may not contain all three parts of a paragraph.
When a New Paragraph is Needed
In both fiction and non-fiction a new paragraph is needed when there is a:
- Change in time
- Change in place or setting
- New idea
- Change in perspective
In short stories and other works of fiction a new paragraph should also be started whenever the speaker changes.
How to Write a Paragraph
To successfully write a paragraph the main idea or topic of the paragraph needs to be decided first.
While the topic sentence of a paragraph does not always have to be the first sentence, when learning how to write a paragraph it is easiest to make the first sentence the topic sentence,
The topic sentence should generally introduce the information that will follow in the supporting sentences of the paragraph.
If a paragraph includes supporting sentences that do not correspond to the topic sentence, one of three edits should be made:
- Rewrite the topic sentence
- Move the supporting sentence to a different paragraph
- Use the supporting sentence as a topic sentence of a new paragraph
Each paragraph should conclude with a transition sentence that connects the paragraph to the next one. Transition sentences help guide the reader and help give writing organization.
Resources for Learning How to Write Paragraphs
The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: A Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed by Karen Elizabeth Gordon (Pantheon; August 10, 1993)
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White (Longman; September 3, 1999)
Editor in Chief: Level C1 from The Critical Thinking Company (Critical Thinking Co; January 1, 1995)
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