Paragraphs are distinct blocks of text that form the part of your essay. Writing good paragraphs with clarity improves the readability of your essay and helps in clearly understanding the points you want to put across. As you might have learnt by now, a good paragraph requires a key sentence also known as the topic sentence. In addition to the topic sentences, a well-written paragraph needs supporting sentences and a transition or closing sentence. This structure is basically the key to write a good paragraph which helps in creating a clear and concise image in the mind of your readers.
You can write a short paragraph or a long paragraph, as long as you follow the above mentioned structure. It is important that the sentences in your paragraph are clear and organised, so that the content flows sequentially and logically. Here are some of the basic elements of paragraph writing that will help you to write a good paragraph.
Begin with a topic sentence: Every paragraph needs to focus on one central idea that will be discussed in the subsequent sentences. For this reason, you must always begin your paragraphs with a topic sentence. Regardless of what format or genre you’re writing for, every good paragraph starts with a central focus that the rest of the paragraph will aim to support.
Supporting sentences: These sentences include follow-up information to your key sentence or previous paragraph. Whatever idea you aim to convey, these sentences are where you convince your reader to believe or envision what you do, and give them everything they need to see your point of view.
Transition Sentences or concluding sentences: The last sentences in your paragraph should tie up your central idea that you have presented in your paragraph. It is not necessary that it has to be the end of the essay. However, a concluding sentence would help you to transition to elaborate on your ideas in the next paragraph. This next paragraph can continue on the same idea, but the ending of each paragraph should briefly summarize the information that was provided before moving on.
Starting a new paragraph: In long piece of writing, it is important to provide a break to the readers, this is especially true when you are introducing a new idea in your essay. There is no rule on how long or short a paragraph should be, however, introducing paragraph breaks can control the pacing of your writing, and generate particular feelings or moods for your reader.
Use transition words: The use of transition words in your writing helps to tie together separate paragraphs. Transition words like, also, in addition to furthermore etc. help your arguments to flow seamlessly from one sentence or thought to another.
