How to Write Paragraphs

A paragraph is a group of sentences that are neatly grouped together. Usually, the paragraph you are writing is only about one idea. Other ideas would be in subsequent paragraphs. Generally, paragraphs can be as long, or as short, as you want them to be. But, to make reading easier and the text more fluent, shorter paragraphs may be better.

If you write a paragraph and think that it is far too long, why not divide it into two or more paragraphs. This way, your thoughts will follow neatly onto the other paragraphs. Don’t have too many short paragraphs though, as it could be confusing for the readers. Remember that the main aim of paragraphs is to help the reader understand what you are trying to say.

How To Link Paragraphs

If you have thoughts that you want to write down, but they won’t fit into the same paragraph, you can link them together instead. If you are making particular points you can link them together in the following ways:

• In the first place...

• In the second place...

• In the third place...

By using these beginnings to your sentences, you can link the paragraphs together and have fluency to your text.

You can also link your paragraphs by using certain words and phrases:

• Also...
• However...
• To sum up...
• On the other hand...
• Another way...
• On the contrary...
• Another way...

Paragraph Headings

To make it even easier for your readers, your paragraphs should have headings. This breaks up the text and makes it much easier to read. If you are planning what to write, starting with the headings may make it easier for you to write what you need to.

Imagine you are writing information about scented candles. You need to tell people all about it and there is quite a lot of information to give. Breaking up the text into appropriate headings is the best way to pass on your information in clear, concise text.

You could use the following headings:

• What are scented candles?
• Why should I use scented candles?
• What are the benefits to using scented candles?
• Where can I find them?
• What scents do they come in?

Planning out your paragraphs under headings makes it much easier for you to write, and makes it easier to read.

Sentences Inside A Paragraph

Normally, there are three types of sentences within any one paragraph. This doesn’t mean there has to be three sentences in a paragraph, just three types.

• Topic Sentence – A topic sentence is the first sentence your paragraph will have. The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph you are writing. It basically summarises the information you are going to give. “There are reasons why I think black dogs are better than brown dogs.”
• Supporting Sentences – The supporting sentence, or sentences, will come after the topic sentence has introduced what the paragraph is going to be about. The supporting sentences will show the reader the details, and will ‘support’ your main idea or facts. “I think that they are shinier, sweeter and nicer.”
• Closing Sentence – The closing sentence will be the last sentence you write for your paragraph. Think of your last sentence as a way to recap what you have previously discussed in your topic sentence and your supporting sentences. “So, as you can see, these are the reasons why I think black dogs are better.”

When writing paragraphs, just keep in mind what you are writing about and create a plan using headings. Also, keep in mind you are writing for other people to read, so you want to make it as fluent and as clear as possible. Following the above tips will make it easier for you to create concise, clear and easy to read paragraphs.