Writing Effective Sentences and Paragraphs
Introduction
Composing an effective paragraph requires a method similar to building a house. You may have the finest content, or materials, but if you do not arrange them in the correct order, then the final product will not hold together very well.
A strong paragraph contains three distinct components:
- Topic sentence. The topic sentence is the main idea of the paragraph.
- Body. The body is composed of the supporting sentences that develop the main point.
- Conclusion. The conclusion is the final sentence that summarizes the main point.
The foundation of a good paragraph is the topic sentence, which expresses the main idea of the paragraph. The topic sentence relates to the thesis, or main point, of the essay and guides the reader by signposting what the paragraph is about. All the sentences in the rest of the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.
Paragraph Construction
A paragraph should be unified, coherent, and well developed. Paragraphs are unified around a main point and all sentences in the paragraph should clearly relate to that point in some way. The paragraph’s main idea should be supported with specific information that develops or discusses the main idea in greater detail.
Creating a Topic Sentence
The topic sentence expresses the main point in a paragraph. You may create your topic sentence by considering the details or examples you will discuss. What unifies these examples? What do your examples have in common? Reach a conclusion and write that “conclusion” first. If it helps, think of writing backwards–from generalization to support instead of from examples to a conclusion.
If you know what your main point will be, write it as clearly as possible. Then, focus on keywords in your topic sentence and try to explain them more fully. Keep asking yourself “How?” or “Why?” or “What examples can I provide to convince a reader?”. After you have added your supporting information, review the topic sentence to see if it still indicates the direction of your writing.
Purposes of Topic Sentences
- To state the main point of a paragraph
- To give the reader a sense of direction (indicate what information will follow)
- To summarize the paragraph’s main point
Placement of Topic Sentences
- Often appear as the first or second sentences of a paragraph
- Rarely appear at the end of the paragraph
Supporting a Topic Sentence with Details
To support a topic sentence, consider some of the possible ways that provide details. To develop a paragraph, use one or more of these:
- Add examples
- Tell a story that illustrates the point you’re making
- Discuss a process
- Compare and contrast
- Use analogies (eg., “X is similar to Y because. . . “)
- Discuss cause and effect
- Define your terms
Reasons for Beginning a New Paragraph
- To show you’re switching to a new idea
- To highlight an important point by putting it at the beginning or end of your paragraph
- To show a change in time or place
- To emphasize a contrast
- To indicate changing speakers in a dialogue
- To give readers an opportunity to pause
- To break up a dense text
Ways of Arranging Information Within or Between Paragraphs
- Order of time (chronology)
- Order of space (descriptions of a location or scene)
- Order of climax (building toward a conclusion)
- Order of importance (from least to most important or from most to least important)
Paragraph Coherence
Coherence is achieved by paragraphs sticking to the topic summarized in the opening sentence, as well as using pronouns and transitional expressions to link sentences together while developing that topic. Paragraphs that grow to the point where they exceed about a dozen lines on the page usually deserve to be broken up into a couple of topics as their internal transitions take them into territory far enough from the topic stated in the first sentence. Generally, a paragraph sticks to just one topic while the one following it covers a related but distinct topic.
Summary
Well-developed paragraphs contain the following elements:
- Topic sentence. (main idea)
- Body. (supporting sentences that develop the main point)
- Conclusion. (summarizes the main point)
A good topic sentence should meet the following criteria:
- Signals the topic and more focused ideas within the paragraph.
- Presents an idea or ideas that are clear and easy to understand.
- Provides unity to the paragraph (clarifies how all supporting ideas relate).
- Links to the purpose or thesis of your paper.
- Omits supporting details.
- Engages the reader.
Sources:
“5.3 Organizing an Essay.” By Elizabeth Burrows, Angela Fowler, Heath Fowler, and Amy Locklear. Retrieved from: https://composingourselvesandourworld.pressbooks.com/chapter/5-3-organizing-an-essay/ Licensed under: CC-BY
“Writing Paragraphs and Topic Sentences.” By Jennifer Lapum, Oona St-Amant, Michelle Hughes, Andy Tan, Arina Bogdan, Frances Dimaranan, Rachel Frantzke, and Nada Savicevic. Retrieved from: https://pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca/scholarlywriting/chapter/writing-paragraphs-and-topic-sentences/ Licensed under CC-BY-SA
