Paragraphs are medium-sized units of writing, longer than sentences, but shorter than sections, chapters, or entire works. Because they connect the “small” ideas of individual sentences to a “bigger” idea, paragraph structure is essential to any writing for organization, flow, and comprehension.
How is a paragraph structured?
A paragraph is an individual segment of writing that discusses a central idea, typically with more than one sentence
- It even has its own paragraph symbol in copyediting, called the pilcrow (¶), not to be confused with the section symbol called the silcrow (§) that’s common in legal code
How to start a paragraph
The topic sentence should always be the first sentence
- Inform the reader of what the paragraph is about
- Save details for the following sentences
- When beginning a new paragraph, follow the rules of paragraph indentation for whatever style guide you are using
End a paragraph
If the paragraph looks like it’s too long after you’ve said everything, consider breaking it up into separate topics and paragraphs for the sake of the reader
- The best way to end a paragraph is to sum up the topic with all the new information
- However, it’s not always necessary to restate the topic
Structured
Topic sentence that briefly explains what the paragraph is about
- Next come a few sentences for development and support, elaborating on the topic with more detail
- Finally, a conclusion sentence that summarizes the topic or presents one final piece of support to wrap up
Example paragraphs from literature
Bertrand Russell in his essay “Icarus, or the Future of Science”
- The first sentence makes a claim, and the subsequent sentences defend that claim, ending in a strong conclusion that ties everything together
- If men were rational in their conduct, they would act in the way most likely to bring about the ends they deliberately desire, intelligence would be enough to make the world almost a paradise.
- But men are actuated by passions which distort their view, and they convince themselves that it is in their own interest to do so
- This is why the heart is as important as the head, for it is the sum-total of kindly impulses
- In Bram Stoker’s Dracula, one of the protagonists, Jonathan Harker, describes the appearance of Count Dracula
Parts of a paragraph
There are three parts to a paragraph: topic sentence, development and support, and conclusion.
- Topic sentences, also known as “paragraph leaders,” introduce the main idea that the paragraph is about
- Development and support sentences elaborate and explain the idea with details too specific for the topic sentences
- Support sentences provide evidence, opinions, or other statements that back up or confirm the paragraph’s main idea
How to plan a paragraph
Look at how the paragraph fits into the writing as a whole
- Different types of writing use different types of paragraphs, so make sure the paragraph type you’re planning matches the context
- Have an outline for whatever you’re writing
- Decide on the paragraph topic and which facts to include as support and development
- Plan the right topic for the flow of your writing, and keep all related paragraphs together
How to transition within a paragraph
For the convenience of your reader, it’s best to connect the sentences in a way that lets the reader move from one point to the next without getting confused
- Sometimes you need transition sentences to assist the flow
- Transition sentences make use of transition words like “however,” “therefore,” or “similarly,” or sometimes directly reference the preceding sentence
How many sentences are in a paragraph?
Generally, paragraphs contain between 3 and 5 sentences, but there are plenty of exceptions.
- The number of sentences in a sentence can change based on the style of the writer, but most paragraphs have at least three sentences (topic, development, and conclusion).
Types of Paragraphs
Expository: Common in nonfiction and all types of essays, expository paragraphs revolve around explaining and discussing a single point or idea
- Persuasive: Just like expository, persuasive paragraphs focus on discussing one point, however, they support opinions instead of facts
- Narrative: When telling a story, a narrative paragraph explains an action or event, and each new sentence furthers or expands upon the action by providing new information
