Paragraphs are the building blocks of your essay. While introductions and conclusions are paragraphs, your body paragraphs will function a bit differently than your first and last paragraphs. Each body paragraph should should contain a central idea (identified in the first sentence/topic sentence) and clearly connect that idea back to your thesis statement--the main point of your essay overall. Paragraphs should begin with the topic sentence and then contain reasons (your own perspective as you tease out the main point of the paragraph) and, in many cases where research is required, evidence from outside sources that backs up your main topic.
As a structure, I like to think about each individual paragraph as a house. The roof, which covers the entire structure, is your topic sentence which 1) connects back to your thesis, clearly identifying how your paragraph's topic is helping to further your argument or ideas, and 2) announces your main idea for the paragraph (or house, for the purposes of this metaphor). Each exterior wall represents your reasons as you tease out the meaning of your assertion in the paragraph (you need to walk your reader through your reasoning so that your central idea seems feasible and credible). The foundation is any evidence you need to bring in to back up your assertions--expert reporting, statistics, etc. Without all components of the structure, it doesn't adequately function as a house. Likewise, without these elements in your paragraph, the body paragraphs don't adequately support your overall main idea/thesis. If you are struggling to organize your thoughts into paragraphs, try out this visual essay organizer. Making an outline can also be helpful.
The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. You can have one idea and several bits of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the paragraph. If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the route to go.
To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: unity, coherence, a topic sentence, and adequate development.
The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas. Paragraph unity means that each individual paragraph focuses on a single point to back up the thesis statement/overall argument. As you revise, read each paragraph carefully to ensure that you aren't straying from your intended subject.
Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable and easy to follow for a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by ensuring that you order your information logically so that one idea leads to another. Another helpful tool is using transitions to show the relationship between ideas.
5 Ways To Improve The Cohesiveness Of Your Writing:
Topic sentences are exactly what they sound like—sentences that announce and summarize a topic for your reader. Thesis statements let the reader know what the purpose of your entire essay will be—they focus on your main idea. On the other hand, topic sentences let the reader know what will be discussed in a particular paragraph or section of your essay.
Let's say you intend to argue that music history courses shouldn’t forget about the musical developments that occurred during the Civil Rights era in the U.S., especially when they discuss R & B music. Then, imagine that you’ve developed a list of reasons why others should agree with you.
Sample Topic Sentences for the Following Thesis Statement:
Thesis Statement: The important link between Civil Rights era music and today’s conception of the R & B genre has been overlooked in today’s music history courses.
Paragraph Topic: Use of anger/outrage in lyrics
Sample Topic Sentence: The turmoil of the Civil Rights era led popular musical artists and lyricists to incorporate explosive and highly personal lyrics into their songs, very much like the explicit lyrics we’ve come to expect from Eminem and Kid Rock today.
Paragraph Topic: Use of subtext/hidden meanings
Sample Topic Sentence: Music history classes discuss the various ways that music helps bring communities of people together; however, they often overlook the ways that the hidden meanings in songs like “The Backstabbers” by the O’Jays (1972) helped to maintain continued support of the Civil Rights Movement in the African American community.
Paragraph Topic: Artists who gained popularity during this time period
Sample Topic Sentence: Many of the influential artists whose work is discussed in music history classes—such as Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, and Sam Cooke—first emerged from the Civil Rights Movement.
The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. While paragraph length can vary, be wary of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.
Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:
You should start a new paragraph:
Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next. For more on transitions, see this page.
Paragraph Revision Checklist
Check each paragraph’s effectiveness by asking yourself these questions:
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