Paragraphs are as necessary to good writing as solid pathways are to hiking. Both offer us (the reader and the hiker) the ability to confidently step forward towards a final destination.

Paragraphs are like pathway stepping stones and like stones they must be compact and sturdy; 1-5 sentences are a good rule of thumb. Those sentences must flow in an orderly fashion because our human mind is drawn to logic, and put off by chaos. Read and re-read your paragraphs and ask yourself if a reader would be able to follow your thoughts.

In addition, the human eye must have a chance to rest. For our brain to have enough time to comprehend what our eyes are reading, our eyes must have a pit stop. This little break in the action allows our brain a chance to regroup and prepare for the next set of thoughts, the next paragraph.

Like a stonemason, build your article, paragraph by paragraph, towards a strong stable finished piece, a piece that will have lasting value and a clear final destination. If not, your reader will give up trying to follow your article because it's just too hard to comprehend. And because there are so many other paths (other articles) available to follow, yours will easily be left behind.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
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