Who remembers those "hamburger" posters that seemed to be present in every elementary classroom? It represented the structure of a paragraph - the buns were the opening and closing sentences, while the burger and condiments depicted the middle sentences. As silly as it was, I seem to remember it every time I write. That single poster is the basis of every paragraph I write.
The structure of a paragraph is simple and easy to follow. It begins with the topic sentence, which introduces the paragraph and lures the reader to it. The supporting sentences come next, which are the body of the paragraph. Lastly, the conclusion sentence ends the paragraph. This should be the basis of every paragraph you write. Below illustrates each part as it should be written.
1. The Topic Sentence
No one sentence is more important than the topic sentence. It's the first sentence of any paragraph, setting the groundwork for what that particular paragraph will be about. The topic sentence is general in nature, meaning that it gives the main idea but provides the reader with very little details. It is also indented, or spaced several bars away from the margin.
Aside from generalization, the topic sentence has one other job - to get the reader interested. To create an appealing opening sentence, adjectives and other descriptive words can be added. In the case of writing an essay, the topic sentence should then expand to include two or three sentences or become a "topic paragraph."
The reader should become engaged in what you're writing. Starting with a question, exclamation, or descriptive sentence gives the paragraph more character. Going another route, a very "mysterious" opening sentence makes the reader want to continue reading to find out more. A thesis statement could also be included, which sums up the article in two or three clauses.
2. The Supporting Sentences
The main job of the supporting sentences is to answer the questions presented in the topic sentence. A single paragraph must contain at least three supporting sentences. Each sentence is essentially going to "support" the general facts or topic presented in the topic sentence. Each fact will then be supported with details taken from research or examples. The "Who, What, When, Where, Why" will be explained with each detail sentence.
Keep in mind that a simple paragraph only has to contain the facts. Also keep in mind that without any details to explain the facts, your paragraph would contain little interest. Whether it's an opinion paragraph or not, you want the reader to believe you. You want them to understand exactly what you're talking about. When facts are presented and then further explained, who's going to argue?
Your supporting sentences can be written into their own paragraphs as well. The opening of each paragraph will be the fact you're presenting. The following sentences will explain the fact, give an example to back it up, and give the reason it supports your main point. With enough research, creating new paragraphs will prove that you know what you're talking about.
3. The Conclusion Sentence
In every formal paragraph, a sentence found at the very end is used to summarize the main points presented in both the topic and supporting sentences. This is called the conclusion sentence. When writing it, think of the conclusion sentence as the topic sentence in reverse. It should remain similar to the topic sentence while ending the paragraph on a general note.
It isn't necessary to repeat your facts in the conclusion sentence - simply reiterate what the paragraph was about. To add more interest to a rather dull topic, turn your conclusion into two or three sentences. Make the reader glad they read your paragraph and leave them with something to think about. A conclusion sentence can make or break the paragraph, so make it memorable.
And this, in a nutshell, is what every good paragraph should look like. Format it as if it were a sandwich - the top and bottom buns are what holds together the meat, the lettuce, and everything else. The topic and conclusion sentences take after the buns, holding together the meat (the main points) and everything else (the supporting sentences). Present the facts while still making them interesting enough to leave the reader with something to think about.