What Is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of sentences all focused on one main idea. Good paragraphs make your writing clear and organised.
The Three-Part Structure
Every strong paragraph has three parts:
| Part | Purpose | Signal phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Topic sentence | States the main idea | "The main reasonā¦", "One importantā¦" |
| Supporting detail(s) | Gives evidence, examples, explanation | "For example,", "This shows that,", "In addition," |
| Concluding sentence | Wraps up or links forward | "Therefore,", "As a result,", "In conclusion," |
A well-structured paragraph
Topic sentence: Dogs make excellent pets for families with children.
Supporting details: They are loyal and protective, and studies show that children with dogs develop better social skills. Regular dog walks also encourage families to exercise together.
Concluding sentence: For these reasons, a dog can be a wonderful addition to any household.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't mix ideas ā each paragraph should have ONE main idea. If your sentence introduces a new idea, start a new paragraph.
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Topic sentence is too vague ("This essay is about dogs.") | Make it specific ("Dogs make excellent family pets because they are loyal.") |
| No supporting evidence | Add an example, statistic, or reason |
| Paragraph ends abruptly | Add a sentence that rounds off the point |
| All sentences are the same length | Vary sentence length for flow |
Linking and Cohesion Words
Good paragraphs flow smoothly. Use these:
To add ideas: Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
To contrast: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless
To give examples: For example, For instance, Such as
To show results: Therefore, As a result, Consequently
To conclude: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall
Real world: school and university essays
An exam question asks: "Discuss the importance of renewable energy." A well-structured first paragraph might read: "Renewable energy is essential for reducing carbon emissions. Solar and wind power produce electricity without burning fossil fuels, significantly lowering COā output. As a result, a shift to renewables is one of the most effective steps towards halting climate change." Topic sentence, evidence, conclusion ā in three sentences.
Real world: blog post or news article
A travel blog paragraph: "Visiting Kyoto in autumn is an unforgettable experience. The maple trees turn vivid red and orange, transforming every street into a natural painting. Crowds gather in Arashiyama bamboo grove at sunrise to catch the light filtering through golden leaves. For anyone who appreciates beauty in nature, October in Kyoto is simply magical." Clear topic sentence, vivid supporting details, strong conclusion ā the same structure works from exam answers to published articles.
Practice Problems
Identify the topic sentence, at least one supporting detail, and the concluding sentence in this paragraph: 'Exercise is vital for good health. It strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, it releases endorphins, improving mood. Those who exercise regularly tend to have more energy and feel happier day to day.'
Show answer
What is wrong with this paragraph? 'I like summer. My favourite food is pizza. Summer is warm and sunny.'