by Ali Askar

Created on: December 25, 2009

    Essays and other  prose compositions are divided into paragraphs. A paragraph is usually a group of related sentences that develop a single point. While writing an essay, the topic can be divided into various points and each point can be developed into a separate paragraph.

    But we can write a paragraph about a particular topic. For example, you can write a paragraph about your school or about  a game you like. A paragraph may be long or short. There is no rule about the length of paragraphs. Sometimes a paragraph may consist of a single sentence. It may consist of ten or twelve sentences or may be very long having thirty or forty sentences. The length of a paragraph depends on the context. When we are explaining a difficult point that has to be explained in great detail, the paragraph may become very long. When we have finished explaining an idea and pass on to another idea, we begin a new paragraph. There must be logical sequence of thought in the sentences of a paragraph.

Some points that are to be remembered while writing a paragraph:

1. Each paragraph should begin with a sentence which contains the idea that is built or illustrated in the rest of the paragraph. This sentence is called the "topic sentence" and provides the base to build the paragraph.

2. Determine the purpose of the paragraph. That is, the paragraph should communicate what you wish to say.

3. Always start your paragraph with the main idea.

4. Asking a question is a good way to draw readers in.

5. Every paragraph should have unity and this is provided by the way sentences stand together and add up to the main idea.

6. As you continue writing, address each new ideas in new paragraphs.

7. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence and build it with supporting sentences.

8. The order of the sentences is important. They must follow one another in a natural sequence.

9. It is extremely important that a paragraph should exhibit coherence-the facts and ideas should be arranged in logical order and there should be an easy transition from sentence to sentence.

10. Normally, the length of the paragraph is stated but, in any case, one is advised to avoid writing long paragraphs because every sentence in it may not have a definite relation to the main topic.

11. You can use transition words to show relationships among different ideas.

12. Finally, tie together any loose ends and conclude the paragraph.

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