Paragraphs are separate blocks of text that break up a long piece of writing into manageable chunks to make it simpler to read and comprehend.
In this article, we’re going to guide you toward writing a perfect paragraph for your academic essay or research paper.
Characteristics of a good paragraph
Students must comprehend the three main aspects of paragraph writing and how each contributes to the whole writing process in order to write a successful one. Unity, coherence, and relevance are the three basic qualities of a good paragraph.
- Unity: All of the sentences are connected to one basic idea or theme.
- Coherence: The sentences are well interrelated and rationally ordered.
- Relevance: The paragraph contributes to the paper’s main subject and aim; thesis statement.
We’ll use an example paragraph from an essay about how Internet users change their identities to lead you through the process of constructing good paragraphs. We’ll progressively build up the structure of a paragraph with each step in this article.
Step 1: Paragraph example
Paragraph example in detail
Men and women both change their identities online, but to varying degrees, according to the findings. Topic sentence: Briefly explain the things that the paragraph will talk about. Research shows that the imitation of gender socialization norms may impact the extent to which Internet users can freely change their identities. Significance: Explain why the paragraph is important to the paper. For example, men, who are more prone to participate in risk-taking, are thought to be more inclined to use online spaces for identity exploration, including identity altering, than women (Coet & McDermott, 1979). Evidence: Cite a source to provide evidence for the paragraph’s argument. This inclination from men to change identities in times of risk-taking shows that the anonymity provided by online textual communication platforms acts as a protective mechanism, lowering social risk. If an individual makes a social mistake online, they can quickly log on with a different username without any consequence. As a result, the anonymity barrier absolves Internet users of any responsibility for their activities, as well as the physical repercussions of reckless and disrespectful behavior (Curtis, 1997). Explanation: Explain and interpret the eviden in your own words. Undeniably, the data implies that gender socialization variations in risk-taking may be connected to man and woman identity transformation, with men being more prone to take risks in exploring their identity online. Concluding sentence: Overall impact of the paragraph, along with concluding statements.
Step 2: Determine the aim of paragraph
To begin, you must understand the main point that will guide this paragraph. To do this, you should prepare a topic sentence.
- The paragraph’s topic sentence sets the tone for what your readers learn as they continue reading.
- Your topic sentence should be narrow enough to be covered in a single paragraph yet broad enough to be developed throughout numerous sentences.
Importance of the topic paragraph
- It is tied to the previous paragraphs. (Which explored how men and women changed their identities separately.)
- The emphasis of this paragraph is clearly stated. (The difference between the ways men and women change their identities online.)
- It refers to the general subject of the paper.
- It allows for facts and analysis to be considered.
Topic sentence example
Men and women both change their identities online, but to varying degrees, according to the findings.Explain why the paragraph is important
Follow-up information to your topic sentence or prior paragraph should be provided in the following sentences.
So, after reading your topic sentence, ask yourself this question: “What significance does this point have in my overall argument (thesis statement)?”
Example
Research shows that the imitation of gender socialization norms may impact the extent to which Internet users can freely change their identities.This sentence elaborates on the subject and demonstrates how it relates to the larger debate of how gender norms influence the ways individuals change their identities online.,
Step 3: Provide and explain evidence
Providing evidence
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Anecdotal evidence
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Testimonial evidence
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Statistical evidence
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Textual evidence
These are information from other writing. E.g., paraphrasing the author’s words in a text. You must be precise about where in the text you found the textual evidence whenever you use it.
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Analogical evidence
To make this a successful sort of evidence, you must create a compelling argument for the parallels between the circumstance you’re writing about and the well-known instance.
Each sort of evidence has advantages and disadvantages, and how you utilize it depends on the subject of your paper. To build the strongest case, consider combining different types of evidence in your paper’s supporting elements.
Example
For example, men, who are more prone to participate in risk-taking, are thought to be more inclined to use online spaces for identity exploration, including identity altering, than women (Coet & McDermott, 1979).Explaining the evidence
Now, you must demonstrate to the reader how this evidence supports your argument. Here are some ways you can do that:
- If you used a quotation, give your interpretation of it.
- If you used a statistic, explain what it means for your argument to the reader.
- If you used material from a secondary source, explain how it adds to the paragraph’s overall point (topic sentence).
Example
This inclination from men to change identities in times of risk-taking shows that the anonymity provided by online textual communication platforms acts as a protective mechanism, lowering social risk.You can repeat the last two steps until you have fully explained your point. To highlight the relationships between distinct sentences in the paragraph, use transition sentences, and transition words.
Example
If an individual makes a social mistake online, they can quickly log on with a different username without any consequence. As a result, the anonymity barrier absolves Internet users of any responsibility for their activities, as well as the physical repercussions of reckless and disrespectful behavior (Curtis, 1997).The evidence shows that people do not pay for the consequences of their actions on the Internet. The sentence explains how this is possible.
Step 4: Finish the paragraph
Finally, bring the paragraph to a close-by returning to your thesis statement and demonstrating the overall impact of the evidence you’ve examined.
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Example
Undeniably, the data implies that gender socialization variations in risk-taking may be connected to man and woman identity transformation, with men being more prone to take risks in exploring their identity online.
This sentence shows the link between the provided evidence and the thesis statement. It also presents the final thought about the paragraph’s topic.
Step 5: Go through the entire paragraph
When you’re satisfied that you’ve completely developed your argument, go through the final product to ensure that:
- Each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the previous one, with the help of transition sentences.
- It all adds up to a logical paragraph.
- Bringing together instances that appear to be extremely different from one another yet share a similar point.
- Including only one significant piece of evidence and breaking it down into many sentences.
- Breaking the point down into sections to assist the reader in grasping an idea or category.
When should I start a new paragraph?
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When you’re introducing a new idea or point
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To compare and contrast two pieces of information or ideas
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When your readers need a pause
Breaks between paragraphs provide a little “pause” for your readers, and including them in your writing process will make it more readable. If the paragraph grows too long or the content gets too difficult, you can include a break.
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When you’re ending your introduction or beginning your conclusion
A fresh paragraph should always be used for the introduction and conclusion. Depending on the writer’s content, duration, and aim, many introductions and conclusions feature many paragraphs.
Step 6: Transition word examples
Every paragraph should have a connection (a transition sentence) to the one before it. A natural transition may be achieved by using transition words or phrases.
The following are some examples of the many sorts of transitional expressions:
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To indicate an addition
and, again, besides, equally important, finally, furthermore, lastly, moreover, in addition, first (second, third, etc.)
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To indicate a comparison
whereas, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, although, meanwhile, in contrast
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To indicate an exception
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To indicate time or a sequence
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To indicate a conclusion
in brief, to conclude, in conclusion, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently
If you follow these steps and tips, writing an excellent paragraph won’t be too hard. Now, it’s time to start writing. First, you may need to explore our essay samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for reading. If you need further information, feel free to have a look at our essay samples or contact us at live chat.
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