Writing Paragraphs

A paragraph is a group of sentences which talk about a single topic. The paragraph sticks to the point, is well-developed, and has a topic sentence.

Sticking to the point means:

• Every sentence is related to the topic.
• If it doesn't belong in the paragraph, take it out.

Well-developed means:

• The sentences are in a sensible order. You can go from general to specific, and from positive to negative, or any other way of organizing the information, but it must be organized somehow. Don't just throw sentences together and call them a paragraph.
• The writing flows well and is easy to read. Vary sentence length, and link the sentences with transition words. Repeat key words, synonyms, and pronouns so your reader knows you're still talking about the same thing, but don't over-use them or the reader will get bored. Use active voice. Please do not confuse your reader.

A topic sentence gives a good idea of the main topic of the paragraph. It usually goes at the beginning of the paragraph. In a topic sentence, you can:

• Make a point you want to prove
• Introduce a list
• Ask a question you are going to answer.

PLEASE AVOID what I call "picture frame" topic sentences. These are sentences that don't have any content. For instance, "This is my paragraph about bears." "This has been my paragraph about bears."

A useful diagram for thinking about a simple paragraph is here.