How to write a paragraph

Knowing how to write a well-structured paragraph is an essential skill for academic writing. A good paragraph can make all the difference in conveying your message.  

In this article, we’re going to guide you toward writing a perfect paragraph for your academic essay or research paper.

What is a paragraph?

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.

Before we dig deep, you 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: 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.

A great paragraph example

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 1: Determine the aim of paragraph

First you must understand the main point that will guide this paragraph. To do this, you should prepare a topic sentence. Topic sentence is literally the first sentence of your paragraph. 

  • Topic sentence sets the tone for what your readers learn as they continue reading.
  • Topic sentence should be narrow enough to be covered in a single paragraph yet broad enough to be developed throughout numerous sentences.​

Topic sentence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

Men and women both change their identities online, but to varying degrees, according to the findings. Topic sentence, which is the first sentence of your body paragraph
....(body paragraph continues)

A good topic sentence is:

  • Tied to the previous paragraphs. In the example above: Which explored how men and women changed their identities separately.
  • Clearly states: the focus of the paragraph: The difference between the ways men and women change their identities online .
  • Refers to the general subject of the paper.​

Show the importance of topic sentence with evidence

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)?”

Evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(Topic sentence)
Research shows that the imitation of gender socialization norms may impact the extent to which Internet users can freely change their identities. Evidence, which is usually the second sentence of your body paragraph
....(body paragraph continues)

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 2: Provide evidence

After the topic sentence, you may now back up your claim with evidence and examples. There’re different types of providing evidence, and it all depends on which type of essay you’re writing. So simply choose the most suitable for your essay. 

  • Anecdotal evidence

This type of evidence could be used in opinion, narrative, or first person essays. 

These are anecdotes or case studies that reinforce your argument. E.g., interviews with someone who tells a story linked to your subject.

Anecdotal evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
One specific case that comes to me is when my friend, who had suffered from arthritis for years, experienced significant relief in their joint discomfort after adopting regular walks and exercises prescribed by their physical therapist. Anecdotal evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

  • Testimonial evidence

Testimonial evidences are often used in position papers.

These are experts’ opinions. E.g., quotes from an expert’s book, article, or editorial.

Testimonial evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
Mary, a delighted client, reported that she had tried several treatments for her chronic headache but got lasting relief only after starting the new migraine prescription given by her doctor. 'I can now enjoy my days without the continual searing agony in my head,' she remarked. Testimonial evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

  • Statistical evidence

Statistical evidence is often used in persuasive essays and argumentative essays.  

These are statistics related to your subject. E.g., percentages derived from reliable sources such as government publications or peer-reviewed research.

Statistical evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
According to a recent National Center for Health Research poll, 60% of individuals in the United States reported feeling stressed daily. This high proportion emphasizes the importance of stress management measures in our daily lives. Statistical evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

  • Textual evidence

Textual evidence is often used in literary analysis essays, also known as literary criticism essays. These types of essays analyze and interpret a literary work, such as a novel, poem, or play, using evidence from the text itself to support the author’s interpretation.

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.

 

Textual evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
In Jane Austen's novel 'Pride and Prejudice,' Elizabeth Bennet famously said, 'I cannot bear to hear that gentleman mentioned,' referring to Mr. Darcy. This phrase emphasizes Elizabeth's initial dislike for Mr. Darcy, which is a crucial narrative element throughout the novel. Textual evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

  • Analogical evidence

Analogical evidence is often used in comparative essays, also known as comparative analysis essays. These types of essays compare and contrast two or more subjects or ideas, highlighting their similarities and differences.

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.

Analogical evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
To survive and bloom, a successful firm needs a strong foundation of financial stability, effective leadership, and a clear purpose statement, similar to how a seed requires the correct amount of sunlight, water, and soil to grow into a healthy plant. Analogical evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

  • Source evidence

Sources essays could be used in any type of essays.

As you see from the example below, this statement gives specific information from a secondary source that shows men’s inclination toward changing their identities online.

Source evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
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). Source evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

When you use evidence from other sources, make sure your sources are correctly cited. You can use an online citation generator such as MyBib to make this easier.

Overall, 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.

Step 3: Explain 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).​

Explaining the evidence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(Topic sentence)
....(Evidence)
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. Explanation of evidence
....(body paragraph continues)

This sentence elaborates on the evidence and interprets it, claiming that this specific fact shows something more general about social behaviors and online platforms.

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.

Transition words to help explain the evidence

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(body paragraph starts)
....(body paragraph continues)
If an individual makes a social mistake online, they can quickly log on with a different username without any consequence. As a result, Transition word 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).
....(body paragraph continues)

Overall, every paragraph should have a connection (a transition sentence) to the one before it. But making use of transition words within a paragraph is also significant.  

As you see from the example above, “As a result” gives a logical flow to connect two related sentences. 

Step 4: Concluding sentence

Finally, bring the paragraph to a close-by returning to your thesis statement and demonstrating the overall impact of the evidence you’ve examined.

The last sentence of a paragraph is often called a concluding sentence. 

Concluding sentence example

Introduction

....(introduction starts)
....(introduction continues)

Body paragraph

....(Topic sentence)
....(Evidence)
....(Explaining the evidence)
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

This sentence shows the link between the provided evidence and the thesis statement. It also presents the final thought about the paragraph’s topic.

Paragraph writing best practices

When you’re satisfied that you’ve completely developed your argument, go through the final writing 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.​

When should I start a new paragraph?

  • When introducing a new idea or point
Fresh paragraphs should always begin with a new concept. If you have a long thought that spans several paragraphs, each new point should be treated as a separate paragraph.

  • To compare and contrast two pieces of information or ideas
Separate paragraphs can be used to contrast opposing points of view in a discussion, various points in an argument, or any other distinction.

  • When 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.

So you’ve made it to the end of our guide on how to write a paragraph! We hope that the tips and techniques we’ve shared in this post will help you take your writing to the next level.

Remember, a well-crafted paragraph is the building block of great writing, so taking the time to master this skill is well worth the effort.

Picture of Deniz Akcaoglu
Deniz Akcaoglu
Content editor and writer. Probably out there trying to get into an obscure band she actually hates the sound of.

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