Constructing a Paragraph

A paragraph, in its simplest definition, is a group of sentences that relate to a common subject, and is usually indicated by indentation or set off from other blocks of sentences by a blank line. An effective paragraph usually has its main point or topic clearly stated in the opening couple of sentences, with other sentences in the paragraph connected in some way to the topic idea. If the topic sentence appears somewhere else in the paragraph, or if the topic is implied, each of the sentences in the paragraph must relate in some way to the topic idea. The key principle to keep in mind is that a paragraph explores and develops a single idea. Usually that idea is presented in the first sentence.

A paragraph has a certain weight and heft to it when its subject is well served. Though a transitional paragraph—one that segues to the next section in a longish essay—may be only a couple of sentences, seldom is it possible to treat a significant idea adequately in two or three sentences. Paragraphs of only a few sentences give the impression that you have not fully explored your point. Conversely, paragraphs that run over several pages appear to be overly inflated, may indeed be repetitive, may have several discrete ideas jammed together, and certainly are hard to read.

Effective paragraphs break your ideas into manageable chunks. They also give the eye a break on the page. An indentation or white space indicates that you are done with the previous point and a new idea is underway. Student writers often think longish paragraphs are an indication of scholarliness. Not so. You will most impress your professor reader with your ability to measure and distribute your ideas in carefully crafted paragraphs of about 5 to 8 sentences.

Significance, Support, and Substance

Considerations of length aside, a paragraph in an academic essay needs to have three essential features: significance, support, and substance.

Significance: A paragraph has to be about something. It cannot be a collection of every thought that tumbled into your mind the moment you sat down to write. A paragraph needs to have focus and coherence. It should take its direction from the significant idea that you state in its first sentence. Each subsequent sentence should develop or further that idea in some way. A paragraph is a series of "interlocking thoughts," says one authority. And those thoughts contribute to the significance of your overall argument or discussion.

Support: Facts, details, illustration, clarification, elaboration—every idea is given force and substance through supporting material, whether it be relating how one event followed on another and led to a final outcome, or using relevant quotations to support your point or position. Writers offer evidence of some sort to convince their readers to believe, accept, or understand something. Your significant point needs to have some form of support if it is to be credible.

Substance: The sub- in substance means "under." The word substance connotes an underlying truth or essence, literally an understanding. In order to write you have to know things. You have to have ideas, know where and how to support them, and understand their value. The paragraph is the place in which the substance of your understanding is made evident—or not. A paragraph is essentially a unit of thought, a verbalized and visualized idea.