How to Write the Perfect Paragraph.

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a distinct section of writing covering one topic.

A paragraph will usually contain more than one sentence. A paragraph starts on a new line. Sometimes, paragraphs are indented or numbered. ... It will have detailed sentences in the middle and end with a concluding sentence.

The function of a paragraph

The paragraph is the basic unit for organizing information in your writing. You use paragraphs to structure information in all of your exam and assignment essays and short answer questions. If you write well-constructed paragraphs, then the reader/marker will be able to understand what it is that you are trying to explain. If you write poorly constructed paragraphs, then the marker has to go on a ‘treasure hunt’ to find information—the perfect recipe for losing those valuable marks.

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The structure of a paragraph

A paragraph has a distinct pattern that you can use to structure your writing. It is made up of a group of sentences that contribute to developing ONE main idea.

1. Topic sentence (The first paragraph of the sentence)
The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph to be discussed. It is really a summary of the content of the paragraph. Topic sentences are extremely important as they affect the 'sense' of your writing (how well your marker will understand what you have written).

2. Supporting sentences (3 to 6 sentences to support the topic sentence)
The supporting sentences develop the topic sentence / main idea. Here you give details to support the claims you made in your topic sentence. You get the most of your marks from the supporting sentences because they contain your arguments and research evidence.

3. Concluding sentence (Optional)
The (optional) concluding sentence signals the end of the paragraph and reinforces the important points made in the supporting sentences. If you use a concluding sentence, you need to make sure that you 'round up' a result from your discussion. If you have nothing left to say, then DON’T just repeat the topic sentence for the sake of it. You don’t have to have a concluding sentence.

Steps for paragraph writing

Step1 — Brainstorm and write an outline

When writing a paragraph, first brainstorm and write an outline of the paragraph and include:

· the topic

· supporting information.

Step 2 — Write the topic sentence

Plan and then write a topic sentence.

Step 3 — Write supporting sentences

Next, write a supporting sentence for each point that you brainstormed and chose to include in the paragraph. Use facts or examples to support your points.

Step 4 — Concluding sentence

Finally, write a concluding sentence, to sum up the paragraph.

I hope that you find this article helpful in your endeavors to teach/learn how to write a great paragraph.

Good luck and good teaching/learning.

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