Paragraph Development

This resource is designed to help you develop strong paragraphs for your academic writing. Mastering paragraph development is key to clear and effective communication of your ideas.

What is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences centered around a single topic. It acts as a fundamental unit of writing that organizes your thoughts and arguments. Unlike the common belief that paragraphs are defined by length, the true essence of a paragraph lies in the unity and coherence of its ideas. Whether a paragraph is long or short, its primary function is to develop a single “controlling idea” thoroughly and clearly.

Components of a Strong Paragraph

Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph. It sets the tone and direction for the sentences that follow. It is usually the first sentence of the paragraph so readers can understand what the paragraph is about.
Supporting Sentences: These sentences expand on the topic by providing evidence, examples, and explanations reinforcing the main idea. They help to elaborate on the topic, add depth to your argument, and make your writing more engaging and convincing.
Concluding Sentence (Optional): A concluding sentence can summarize the paragraph’s main point and provide a transition to the next one, Transition sentences that seamlessly lead to the next paragraph allows for a smooth flow of ideas throughout your essay.

Key Traits of an Effective Paragraph

Unity: All sentences in the paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea, often expressed in the topic sentence.
Coherence: The sentences should be arranged logically and follow a definite development plan. Coherence can be achieved by creating logical and verbal bridges between sentences.
Adequate Development: Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s controlling idea.

Tips for Effective Paragraph Development

Stay Focused: Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Avoid introducing multiple topics within one paragraph.
Use Transitions: Incorporate transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly, creating a logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.
Be Specific: Use specific details and examples to support your points, making your argument more convincing and your writing more engaging.
Revise and Edit: After writing, review your paragraphs for clarity and coherence. Ensure each sentence contributes to the main idea and that your paragraph transitions are smooth.

How to Decide What to Put in a Paragraph

Before deciding on the content of a particular paragraph, start with an argument and a working thesis statement for your paper. Your paragraphs should remind your reader of the recurrent relationship between your thesis and the information within each paragraph. Brainstorming helps generate ideas and ensure a strong foundation for your paragraphs.

Methods of Paragraph Development

Depending on your controlling idea, paragraphs can be organized in various ways, such as:

Narration: Tell a story chronologically from start to finish.
Description: Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, sounds, or feels like, organized spatially or by topic.
Process: Explain how something works, step by step, following a sequence like first, second, third.
Classification: Separate into groups or explain various parts of a topic.
Illustration: Give examples and explain how those examples support your point.

Illustration Paragraph: A 5-Step Example

From the list above, let’s choose “illustration” as our rhetorical purpose. We’ll walk through a 5-step process for building a paragraph that illustrates a point in an argument. Our example paragraph will be the misconception that sharks are mindless predators.

Decide on a Controlling Idea and Create a Topic Sentence
Controlling Idea and Topic Sentence: Although most sharks are not a threat to humans, many people continue to believe that sharks are mindless predators.
Elaborate on the Controlling Idea
Elaboration: This false belief is perpetuated by sensationalized media portrayals and rare, but highly publicized, shark attacks.
Give an Example (or Multiple Examples)
Example: For instance, the movie Jaws depicts a great white shark as a cunning, relentless killer that targets humans.
Explain the Example(s)
Explanation for Example: Such dramatized depictions create a lasting impression on audiences, fostering an irrational fear of sharks and misunderstanding of their behavior.
Complete the Paragraph’s Idea or Transition into the Next Paragraph
Sentences for Completing a Paragraph: In reality, sharks are more often scavengers than hunters, and attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. By educating ourselves about shark behavior and ecology, fear can be replaced with respect for these important marine animals.

Finished Paragraph Example

Although most sharks are not a threat to humans, many people continue to believe that sharks are mindless predators. This false belief is perpetuated by sensationalized media portrayals and rare, but highly publicized, shark attacks. For instance, the movie Jaws depicts a great white shark as a cunning, relentless killer that targets humans. Such dramatized depictions create a lasting impression on audiences, fostering an irrational fear of sharks and misunderstanding of their behavior. In reality, sharks are more often scavengers than hunters, and attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. By educating ourselves about shark behavior and ecology, fear can be replaced with respect for these important marine animals.

Troubleshooting Paragraphs

Problem: The paragraph lacks a topic sentence. Ensure your paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence to guide your reader.
Problem: The paragraph has more than one controlling idea. Split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only one main idea.
Problem: Transitions are needed within the paragraph. Use transitions within a paragraph to establish relationships between ideas and create a logical progression.

Additional Resources

Writing Effective Topic Sentences
Using Transitional Words and Phrases
Strategies for Coherent Writing

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References

Lunsford, Andrea A. (2023). The everyday writer, 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill