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Paragraphs

Paragraphs are composed of sentences that work together to convey a key point the assignment is trying to make, explain it, support it, develop it, relate it to other ideas presented in the writing/assignment and connect it to the overall position/message of the assignment. Paragraphs work together to logically organize and structure content into larger pieces of writing by:

Explaining what a specific term means
Describing your main reason for making a claim
Providing an example of how one of your ideas might be applied, etc.

Paragraphs create a logical flow of information that make it easier for the reader to follow and understand content. They also create a visual separation of ideas that allows readers to understand information more easily. By constructing well-formed paragraphs, writers can coherently present complex information and make the overall message of their writing more readable and engaging.

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Click the sections below to review the key features and types of paragraphs that help make your writing flow effectively.

Topic Sentences

A paragraph achieves focus and coherence when its purpose is clearly stated and when each sentence in that paragraph contributes to its purpose. The main purpose or point of a paragraph is usually stated in one sentence, called the topic (or “orienting”) sentence, which usually appears at the beginning of the paragraph. This sentence guides – or “orients” – your reader toward the main idea you will develop in the paragraph. This sentence should be followed by sentences that develop this idea by –  

providing evidence for the main point
giving examples of the main point
stating logical outcomes from the main point
applying the main point to a particular case

The main goal here is for both the writer and the reader to easily see the connection between the topic sentence and the other sentences that contribute to the paragraph

Transitions

Well-structured essays contain signposts to guide readers from one point and one paragraph to another. For example, words like “although” and “despite” indicate that you are conceding a point but are ready to reinforce your position; “as a result” and “thus” indicate effects or results of the point(s) you have been discussing.

Many essays are organized in sections composed of multiple paragraphs, so transitional sentences or paragraphs to demonstrate the significance of what came before and connect it to what follows can be helpful. In some disciplines, transitions are made clear by placing headings at the beginning of each section. In Psychology, for example, research reports are commonly divided into sections explicitly labeled:

Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion

In cases where headings are inappropriate, transition sentences will ensure that readers understand the connections among the sections.  For example, the last sentence of a paragraph often states explicitly what is coming next, or the first sentence of a paragraph makes an explicit connection to the main idea of the previous one. Transitions help your reader follow your discussion easily, rather than leaving them to guess why you have moved from one idea to another. 

Introductory Paragraphs

The introductory paragraph in academic writing prepares the reader for the topic, issue, and position of the work and typically gets to the point very quickly; it does not leave the reader guessing about the intention and the direction of the essay. The introduction should identify:

the topic of the paper
the writer’s approach and primary claim
how the writer will go about supporting this viewpoint or claim

The introduction typically includes a sentence, sometimes called a thesis or position statement, that articulates the main idea to be supported or elaborated in the essay. This usually occurs at or toward the end of the introduction. For more information on how to develop and write thesis statements see the modules on Choosing a Topic and on Writing Strategies.

Contrary to common belief, most professional writers do not begin the writing process by composing an introduction. They may quickly draft a working thesis to get started, but they know that their ideas are likely to change as they write. Thus, they often write the introductory paragraph near the end of the process. In fact, it is common for a writer to find that the conclusion of the first draft provides an excellent foundation for the introductory paragraph of later drafts of the paper.

Concluding Paragraphs

Academic writing typically concludes with a paragraph that summarizes the important points raised in the body of the essay. No details are provided in this summary, but it should show how the ideas of the essay come together to justify the writer’s viewpoint or claim as made in the introduction. New topics should not appear in a concluding paragraph, but in many disciplines, the writer is expected to offer at least a few sentences about the most important implications of the paper.