uses of paragraphs in essay writing

The Ultimate Guide to Paragraphs

Like a scene in a movie or a verse in a song, paragraphs are the building blocks of any good piece of writing . Paragraphs lend a natural rhythm to your writing that makes it a joy to read. The question is, how do you handle them successfully? 

Below, we take a close look at what makes up an effective paragraph and explain how to write one that suits your needs. We also cover some advanced tips. But first, let’s start with the fundamentals. 

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What is a paragraph? 

Simply put, a paragraph is a collection of sentences all related to a central topic, idea, or theme. Paragraphs act as structural tools for writers to organize their thoughts into an ideal progression, and they also help readers process those thoughts effortlessly. Imagine how much harder reading and writing would be if everything was just one long block of text. 

There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to writing paragraphs, but if there’s one steadfast rule, it’s this: Paragraphs should relate to one main topic or point. The paragraph itself often contains multiple points spanning several sentences, but they should all revolve around one core theme. Just as sentences build upon each other to communicate the paragraph’s core theme, paragraphs work together to communicate the core theme of the writing as a whole. 

That’s the basic idea, but in practice there’s more to it. Let’s look at the four main types of paragraphs to learn how and when to use them. 

Expository paragraphs

Essays, academic papers, and journalistic articles mainly use expository paragraphs to thoroughly explain an individual point. These paragraphs rely on data, statistics, or citations from other sources to present facts and build up to an irrefutable conclusion . 

Descriptive paragraphs

Common in fiction and certain styles of journalistic or other nonfiction writing, a descriptive paragraph contains various details of the same thing, with each sentence adding new insight. A paragraph in a horror novel might describe how it feels walking around the woods alone; a love letter’s paragraph might focus on the details of your significant other’s eyes. No matter the context, descriptive paragraphs are meant to provide the clearest picture of your subject. 

Persuasive paragraphs

For editorials and opinion pieces, persuasive paragraphs are meant to convince the reader of a specific point, with each sentence presenting evidence or reasoning to support that point. Like expository paragraphs, persuasive paragraphs may contain data and statistics, but here, these work to support an opinion rather than verify a fact. The trick to writing persuasive paragraphs is knowing how to assert your opinion without sounding preachy . 

>>Read More: How to Write a Persuasive Essay

Narrative paragraphs

If you’re telling a story, fiction or nonfiction, you’ll need to break up the action into digestible segments so your reader doesn’t get confused. That’s the purpose of narrative paragraphs: they break up sequential actions into related chunks, with one leading into the next, so that the reader can remain focused on the storyline. They don’t use evidence or supporting arguments like the other paragraph types, but they still abide by the main rule of paragraphs about unity. 

How to write a paragraph

Knowing the different types of paragraphs is helpful for outlining a piece, but it doesn’t tell you how to write one. Let’s move on to some hands-on tips for writing a perfect paragraph, starting with a sample written in the academic paragraph structure of essays and school papers: 

Despite the typos we see in texts and social media, professional environments still value good grammar. For hiring managers, a command of grammar offers honest insight into an applicant’s intelligence, dedication, attention to detail, and professionalism, not to mention communication skills. Good grammar can even land you that promotion: According to a 2013 study , professionals who have been promoted six to nine times made 45 percent fewer grammar mistakes than those promoted one to four times. Learning the difference between there , their , and they’re isn’t just about speaking properly—it’s also a good career move!  

Academic paragraphs use a simple-but-efficient structure consisting of four parts:

1. Topic sentence 

Despite the typos we see in texts and social media, professional environments still value good grammar. 

Also known as the “paragraph leader,” your topic sentence should introduce the concept and communicate what the paragraph is about. Be careful not to squeeze your entire point into this first sentence—you just need to say enough so that the reader knows what the rest will be about.

2. Development

For hiring managers, a command of grammar offers honest insight into an applicant’s intelligence, dedication, attention to detail, and professionalism, not to mention communication skills. 

Your second and maybe third sentences are where you elaborate on your point. All the nonessential information that didn’t fit in your topic sentence goes here. The goal is that the reader fully understands the point, so feel free to include citations or assertions from other sources for stronger communication. 

Good grammar can even land you that promotion: According to a 2013 study , professionals who have been promoted six to nine times made 45 percent fewer grammar mistakes than those promoted one to four times. 

Here’s where you get down to brass tacks: Present your evidence, data, statistics, logical conclusions, persuasive opinion, real-life or hypothetical examples, etc.—anything that confirms your initial statement. 

Learning the difference between there , their , and they’re isn’t just about speaking properly—it’s also a good career move!  

Last, you want to end by summing up or evaluating your main point—what conclusion can your reader draw from your argument? In addition to wrapping things up, your summary should also follow the best practices for writing conclusions .  

Advanced tips for writing paragraphs

How long should a paragraph be.

There are no hard limits to how long or short a paragraph can be, but typically three to five sentences will suffice. Sometimes you may opt for only a single sentence to add emphasis or effect, while other times you’ll need more than five sentences to present all your evidence. Use your discretion—but err on the side of too short instead of too long. 

Parallel structure

In sentence construction, parallelism refers to using consistent structure between two clauses or phrases (i.e., saying I prefer trains over buses instead of I prefer trains over a bus ). That same principle applies to paragraphs within a greater text: Each paragraph should have a similar structure for the sake of consistency. 

Parallelism is crucial when writing about comparisons or using a point-counterpart format. If you’re comparing two or more arguments, it’s best to maintain the same structure for both arguments (and the paragraphs that explain them). Typically, the two most common formats are known as block and point-by-point . 

Let’s say you’re writing an essay comparing apples and oranges. Block structure would use an individual paragraph discussing everything about apples—taste, appearance, etc.—and then follow it with another individual paragraph discussing those same attributes for oranges. 

Point-by-point structure, however, would mix it up a little. The first paragraph might center around taste and include data about both apples and oranges. Then the second paragraph would move on to a new point, like appearance, and would likewise include information on both apples and oranges. 

Neither format is inherently better than the other—the best choice depends on the topic and context. The important thing is that you stick with your choice throughout the entire piece; switching randomly between formats is considered poor writing. 

Transitions

One of the hardest parts of writing involves transitions. Good writing appears seamless, flowing from one point to another. But what do you do if the individual points on their own are disjointed or unrelated? That’s when transitions come in handy—they’re a way to move to a new point without being abrupt or jarring. 

Basic transitions can be as simple as adding linking words to the beginning of a sentence: however, by contrast, in addition, on the other hand, etc. If you’re creating a list, you can link each item together using ordinals ( first , second , etc.) or more casual connectors like for starters, next, and last . The same rules for transitioning from sentence to sentence apply just as well when transitioning from paragraph to paragraph.

Here’s a tip: You don’t have to guess whether you’re using certain words correctly or breaking  grammar rules in your writing. Just  copy and paste your writing to check your grammar  and get instant feedback on whether your sentences have misspellings, punctuation errors, or any structural mistakes.

11 Rules for Essay Paragraph Structure (with Examples)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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How do you structure a paragraph in an essay?

If you’re like the majority of my students, you might be getting your basic essay paragraph structure wrong and getting lower grades than you could!

In this article, I outline the 11 key steps to writing a perfect paragraph. But, this isn’t your normal ‘how to write an essay’ article. Rather, I’ll try to give you some insight into exactly what teachers look out for when they’re grading essays and figuring out what grade to give them.

You can navigate each issue below, or scroll down to read them all:

1. Paragraphs must be at least four sentences long 2. But, at most seven sentences long 3. Your paragraph must be Left-Aligned 4. You need a topic sentence 5 . Next, you need an explanation sentence 6. You need to include an example 7. You need to include citations 8. All paragraphs need to be relevant to the marking criteria 9. Only include one key idea per paragraph 10. Keep sentences short 11. Keep quotes short

Paragraph structure is one of the most important elements of getting essay writing right .

As I cover in my Ultimate Guide to Writing an Essay Plan , paragraphs are the heart and soul of your essay.

However, I find most of my students have either:

• forgotten how to write paragraphs properly,
• gotten lazy, or
• never learned it in the first place!

Paragraphs in essay writing are different from paragraphs in other written genres .

In fact, the paragraphs that you are reading now would not help your grades in an essay.

That’s because I’m writing in journalistic style, where paragraph conventions are vastly different.

For those of you coming from journalism or creative writing, you might find you need to re-learn paragraph writing if you want to write well-structured essay paragraphs to get top grades.

Below are eleven reasons your paragraphs are losing marks, and what to do about it!

Essay Paragraph Structure Rules

1. your paragraphs must be at least 4 sentences long.

In journalism and blog writing, a one-sentence paragraph is great. It’s short, to-the-point, and helps guide your reader. For essay paragraph structure, one-sentence paragraphs suck.

A one-sentence essay paragraph sends an instant signal to your teacher that you don’t have much to say on an issue.

A short paragraph signifies that you know something – but not much about it. A one-sentence paragraph lacks detail, depth and insight.

Many students come to me and ask, “what does ‘add depth’ mean?” It’s one of the most common pieces of feedback you’ll see written on the margins of your essay.

Personally, I think ‘add depth’ is bad feedback because it’s a short and vague comment. But, here’s what it means: You’ve not explained your point enough!

If you’re writing one-, two- or three-sentence essay paragraphs, you’re costing yourself marks.

Always aim for at least four sentences per paragraph in your essays.

This doesn’t mean that you should add ‘fluff’ or ‘padding’ sentences.

Make sure you don’t:

a) repeat what you said in different words, or b) write something just because you need another sentence in there.

But, you need to do some research and find something insightful to add to that two-sentence paragraph if you want to ace your essay.

Check out Points 5 and 6 for some advice on what to add to that short paragraph to add ‘depth’ to your paragraph and start moving to the top of the class.

• How to Make an Essay Longer
• How to Make an Essay Shorter

2. Your Paragraphs must not be more than 7 Sentences Long

Okay, so I just told you to aim for at least four sentences per paragraph. So, what’s the longest your paragraph should be?

Seven sentences. That’s a maximum.

So, here’s the rule:

Between four and seven sentences is the sweet spot that you need to aim for in every single paragraph.

Here’s why your paragraphs shouldn’t be longer than seven sentences:

1. It shows you can organize your thoughts. You need to show your teacher that you’ve broken up your key ideas into manageable segments of text (see point 10)

2. It makes your work easier to read.   You need your writing to be easily readable to make it easy for your teacher to give you good grades. Make your essay easy to read and you’ll get higher marks every time.

One of the most important ways you can make your work easier to read is by writing paragraphs that are less than six sentences long.

3. It prevents teacher frustration. Teachers are just like you. When they see a big block of text their eyes glaze over. They get frustrated, lost, their mind wanders … and you lose marks.

To prevent teacher frustration, you need to ensure there’s plenty of white space in your essay. It’s about showing them that the piece is clearly structured into one key idea per ‘chunk’ of text.

Often, you might find that your writing contains tautologies and other turns of phrase that can be shortened for clarity.

3. Your Paragraph must be Left-Aligned

Turn off ‘Justified’ text and: Never. Turn. It. On. Again.

Justified text is where the words are stretched out to make the paragraph look like a square. It turns the writing into a block. Don’t do it. You will lose marks, I promise you! Win the psychological game with your teacher: left-align your text.

A good essay paragraph is never ‘justified’.

I’m going to repeat this, because it’s important: to prevent your essay from looking like a big block of muddy, hard-to-read text align your text to the left margin only.

You want white space on your page – and lots of it. White space helps your reader scan through your work. It also prevents it from looking like big blocks of text.

You want your reader reading vertically as much as possible: scanning, browsing, and quickly looking through for evidence you’ve engaged with the big ideas.

The justified text doesn’t help you do that. Justified text makes your writing look like a big, lumpy block of text that your reader doesn’t want to read.

What’s wrong with Center-Aligned Text?

While I’m at it, never, ever, center-align your text either. Center-aligned text is impossible to skim-read. Your teacher wants to be able to quickly scan down the left margin to get the headline information in your paragraph.

Not many people center-align text, but it’s worth repeating: never, ever center-align your essays.

Don’t annoy your reader. Left align your text.

4. Your paragraphs must have a Topic Sentence

The first sentence of an essay paragraph is called the topic sentence. This is one of the most important sentences in the correct essay paragraph structure style.

The topic sentence should convey exactly what key idea you’re going to cover in your paragraph.

Too often, students don’t let their reader know what the key idea of the paragraph is until several sentences in.

You must show what the paragraph is about in the first sentence.

You never, ever want to keep your reader in suspense. Essays are not like creative writing. Tell them straight away what the paragraph is about. In fact, if you can, do it in the first half of the first sentence .

I’ll remind you again: make it easy to grade your work. Your teacher is reading through your work trying to determine what grade to give you. They’re probably going to mark 20 assignments in one sitting. They have no interest in storytelling or creativity. They just want to know how much you know! State what the paragraph is about immediately and move on.

Suggested: Best Words to Start a Paragraph

Ideal Essay Paragraph Structure Example: Writing a Topic Sentence If your paragraph is about how climate change is endangering polar bears, say it immediately : “Climate change is endangering polar bears.” should be your first sentence in your paragraph. Take a look at first sentence of each of the four paragraphs above this one. You can see from the first sentence of each paragraph that the paragraphs discuss:

When editing your work, read each paragraph and try to distil what the one key idea is in your paragraph. Ensure that this key idea is mentioned in the first sentence .

(Note: if there’s more than one key idea in the paragraph, you may have a problem. See Point 9 below .)

The topic sentence is the most important sentence for getting your essay paragraph structure right. So, get your topic sentences right and you’re on the right track to a good essay paragraph.

5. You need an Explanation Sentence

All topic sentences need a follow-up explanation. The very first point on this page was that too often students write paragraphs that are too short. To add what is called ‘depth’ to a paragraph, you can come up with two types of follow-up sentences: explanations and examples.

Let’s take explanation sentences first.

Explanation sentences give additional detail. They often provide one of the following services:

Let’s go back to our example of a paragraph on Climate change endangering polar bears. If your topic sentence is “Climate change is endangering polar bears.”, then your follow-up explanation sentence is likely to explain how, why, where, or when. You could say:

Ideal Essay Paragraph Structure Example: Writing Explanation Sentences 1. How: “The warming atmosphere is melting the polar ice caps.” 2. Why: “The polar bears’ habitats are shrinking every single year.” 3. Where: “This is happening in the Antarctic ice caps near Greenland.” 4. When: “Scientists first noticed the ice caps were shrinking in 1978.”

You don’t have to provide all four of these options each time.

But, if you’re struggling to think of what to add to your paragraph to add depth, consider one of these four options for a good quality explanation sentence.

>>>RELATED ARTICLE: SHOULD YOU USE RHETORICAL QUESTIONS IN ESSAYS ?

6. Your need to Include an Example

Examples matter! They add detail. They also help to show that you genuinely understand the issue. They show that you don’t just understand a concept in the abstract; you also understand how things work in real life.

Example sentences have the added benefit of personalising an issue. For example, after saying “Polar bears’ habitats are shrinking”, you could note specific habitats, facts and figures, or even a specific story about a bear who was impacted.

Ideal Essay Paragraph Structure Example: Writing an ‘Example’ Sentence “For example, 770,000 square miles of Arctic Sea Ice has melted in the past four decades, leading Polar Bear populations to dwindle ( National Geographic, 2018 )

In fact, one of the most effective politicians of our times – Barrack Obama – was an expert at this technique. He would often provide examples of people who got sick because they didn’t have healthcare to sell Obamacare.

What effect did this have? It showed the real-world impact of his ideas. It humanised him, and got him elected president – twice!

Be like Obama. Provide examples. Often.

7. All Paragraphs need Citations

Provide a reference to an academic source in every single body paragraph in the essay. The only two paragraphs where you don’t need a reference is the introduction and conclusion .

Let me repeat: Paragraphs need at least one reference to a quality scholarly source .

Let me go even further:

Students who get the best marks provide two references to two different academic sources in every paragraph.

Two references in a paragraph show you’ve read widely, cross-checked your sources, and given the paragraph real thought.

It’s really important that these references link to academic sources, not random websites, blogs or YouTube videos. Check out our Seven Best types of Sources to Cite in Essays post to get advice on what sources to cite. Number 6 w ill surprise you!

Ideal Essay Paragraph Structure Example: In-Text Referencing in Paragraphs Usually, in-text referencing takes the format: (Author, YEAR), but check your school’s referencing formatting requirements carefully. The ‘Author’ section is the author’s last name only. Not their initials. Not their first name. Just their last name . My name is Chris Drew. First name Chris, last name Drew. If you were going to reference an academic article I wrote in 2019, you would reference it like this: (Drew, 2019).

Where do you place those two references?

Place the first reference at the end of the first half of the paragraph. Place the second reference at the end of the second half of the paragraph.

This spreads the references out and makes it look like all the points throughout the paragraph are backed up by your sources. The goal is to make it look like you’ve reference regularly when your teacher scans through your work.

Remember, teachers can look out for signposts that indicate you’ve followed academic conventions and mentioned the right key ideas.

Spreading your referencing through the paragraph helps to make it look like you’ve followed the academic convention of referencing sources regularly.

Here are some examples of how to reference twice in a paragraph:

• If your paragraph was six sentences long, you would place your first reference at the end of the third sentence and your second reference at the end of the sixth sentence.
• If your paragraph was five sentences long, I would recommend placing one at the end of the second sentence and one at the end of the fifth sentence.

You’ve just read one of the key secrets to winning top marks.

8. Every Paragraph must be relevant to the Marking Criteria

Every paragraph must win you marks. When you’re editing your work, check through the piece to see if every paragraph is relevant to the marking criteria.

For the British: In the British university system (I’m including Australia and New Zealand here – I’ve taught at universities in all three countries), you’ll usually have a ‘marking criteria’. It’s usually a list of between two and six key learning outcomes your teacher needs to use to come up with your score. Sometimes it’s called a:

• Marking criteria
• Marking rubric
• (Key) learning outcome
• Indicative content

Check your assignment guidance to see if this is present. If so, use this list of learning outcomes to guide what you write. If your paragraphs are irrelevant to these key points, delete the paragraph .

Paragraphs that don’t link to the marking criteria are pointless. They won’t win you marks.

For the Americans: If you don’t have a marking criteria / rubric / outcomes list, you’ll need to stick closely to the essay question or topic. This goes out to those of you in the North American system. North America (including USA and Canada here) is often less structured and the professor might just give you a topic to base your essay on.

If all you’ve got is the essay question / topic, go through each paragraph and make sure each paragraph is relevant to the topic.

For example, if your essay question / topic is on “The Effects of Climate Change on Polar Bears”,

• Don’t talk about anything that doesn’t have some connection to climate change and polar bears;
• Don’t talk about the environmental impact of oil spills in the Gulf of Carpentaria;
• Don’t talk about black bear habitats in British Columbia.
• Do talk about the effects of climate change on polar bears (and relevant related topics) in every single paragraph .

You may think ‘stay relevant’ is obvious advice, but at least 20% of all essays I mark go off on tangents and waste words.

Stay on topic in Every. Single. Paragraph. If you want to learn more about how to stay on topic, check out our essay planning guide .

9. Only have one Key Idea per Paragraph

One key idea for each paragraph. One key idea for each paragraph. One key idea for each paragraph.

Don’t forget!

Too often, a student starts a paragraph talking about one thing and ends it talking about something totally different. Don’t be that student.

To ensure you’re focussing on one key idea in your paragraph, make sure you know what that key idea is. It should be mentioned in your topic sentence (see Point 3 ). Every other sentence in the paragraph adds depth to that one key idea.

If you’ve got sentences in your paragraph that are not relevant to the key idea in the paragraph, they don’t fit. They belong in another paragraph.

Go through all your paragraphs when editing your work and check to see if you’ve veered away from your paragraph’s key idea. If so, you might have two or even three key ideas in the one paragraph.

You’re going to have to get those additional key ideas, rip them out, and give them paragraphs of their own.

If you have more than one key idea in a paragraph you will lose marks. I promise you that.

The paragraphs will be too hard to read, your reader will get bogged down reading rather than scanning, and you’ll have lost grades.

10. Keep Sentences Short

If a sentence is too long it gets confusing. When the sentence is confusing, your reader will stop reading your work. They will stop reading the paragraph and move to the next one. They’ll have given up on your paragraph.

Short, snappy sentences are best.

Shorter sentences are easier to read and they make more sense. Too often, students think they have to use big, long, academic words to get the best marks. Wrong. Aim for clarity in every sentence in the paragraph. Your teacher will thank you for it.

The students who get the best marks write clear, short sentences.

When editing your draft, go through your essay and see if you can shorten your longest five sentences.

(To learn more about how to write the best quality sentences, see our page on Seven ways to Write Amazing Sentences .)

11. Keep Quotes Short

Eighty percent of university teachers hate quotes. That’s not an official figure. It’s my guestimate based on my many interactions in faculty lounges. Twenty percent don’t mind them, but chances are your teacher is one of the eight out of ten who hate quotes.

Teachers tend to be turned off by quotes because it makes it look like you don’t know how to say something on your own words.

Now that I’ve warned you, here’s how to use quotes properly:

Ideal Essay Paragraph Structure Example: How To Use Quotes in University-Level Essay Paragraphs 1. Your quote should be less than one sentence long. 2. Your quote should be less than one sentence long. 3. You should never start a sentence with a quote. 4. You should never end a paragraph with a quote. 5 . You should never use more than five quotes per essay. 6. Your quote should never be longer than one line in a paragraph.

The minute your teacher sees that your quote takes up a large chunk of your paragraph, you’ll have lost marks.

Your teacher will circle the quote, write a snarky comment in the margin, and not even bother to give you points for the key idea in the paragraph.

Avoid quotes, but if you really want to use them, follow those five rules above.

I’ve also provided additional pages outlining Seven tips on how to use Quotes if you want to delve deeper into how, when and where to use quotes in essays. Be warned: quoting in essays is harder than you thought.

Follow the advice above and you’ll be well on your way to getting top marks at university.

Writing essay paragraphs that are well structured takes time and practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself and keep on trying!

Below is a summary of our 11 key mistakes for structuring essay paragraphs and tips on how to avoid them.

I’ve also provided an easy-to-share infographic below that you can share on your favorite social networking site. Please share it if this article has helped you out!

11 Biggest Essay Paragraph Structure Mistakes you’re probably Making

1.  Your paragraphs are too short 2.  Your paragraphs are too long 3.  Your paragraph alignment is ‘Justified’ 4.  Your paragraphs are missing a topic sentence 5 .  Your paragraphs are missing an explanation sentence 6.  Your paragraphs are missing an example 7.  Your paragraphs are missing references 8.  Your paragraphs are not relevant to the marking criteria 9.  You’re trying to fit too many ideas into the one paragraph 10.  Your sentences are too long 11.  Your quotes are too long

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

4 thoughts on “11 Rules for Essay Paragraph Structure (with Examples)”

Hello there. I noticed that throughout this article on Essay Writing, you keep on saying that the teacher won’t have time to go through the entire essay. Don’t you think this is a bit discouraging that with all the hard work and time put into your writing, to know that the teacher will not read through the entire paper?

Hi Clarence,

Thanks so much for your comment! I love to hear from readers on their thoughts.

Yes, I agree that it’s incredibly disheartening.

But, I also think students would appreciate hearing the truth.

Behind closed doors many / most university teachers are very open about the fact they ‘only have time to skim-read papers’. They regularly bring this up during heated faculty meetings about contract negotiations! I.e. in one university I worked at, we were allocated 45 minutes per 10,000 words – that’s just over 4 minutes per 1,000 word essay, and that’d include writing the feedback, too!

If students know the truth, they can better write their essays in a way that will get across the key points even from a ‘skim-read’.

I hope to write candidly on this website – i.e. some of this info will never be written on university blogs because universities want to hide these unfortunate truths from students.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Regards, Chris

This is wonderful and helpful, all I say is thank you very much. Because I learned a lot from this site, own by chris thank you Sir.

Thank you. This helped a lot.

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Paragraphing (Length Consistency)

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Paragraphs are units of thought with one adequately developed idea. Listed here are some rules of thumb to use when paragraphing. As your writing improves, you'll be able to break these "rules" to meet your own needs. Until then, these suggestions can be helpful.

• Put only one main idea per paragraph.
• Aim for three to five or more sentences per paragraph.
• Include on each page about two handwritten or three typed paragraphs.
• Make your paragraphs proportional to your paper. Since paragraphs do less work in short papers, have short paragraphs for short papers and longer paragraphs for longer papers.
• If you have a few very short paragraphs, think about whether they are really parts of a larger paragraph—and can be combined—or whether you can add details to support each point and thus make each into a more fully developed paragraph.

You can check on whether your paragraphs are balanced by looking at your paper.

Some balanced pages:

Paragraph Balance

Unbalanced pages with ideas not equally developed:

Unbalanced Paragraphs

Use the following graphics as a tool to organize your paper with one main idea in each box. Use as many pages and boxes as needed.

Graphics to Help with Balance and Organization

11 Types of Paragraphs in Academic Writing (with Examples)

The types of paragraphs in academic writing whose examples you will discover in this tutorial include the narrative paragraph, descriptive paragraph, expository paragraph and persuasive paragraph. Others are the definition paragraph, process paragraph, compare and contrast paragraph, introduction paragraph and concluding paragraph.

But the above is not the complete list of types of paragraphs we shall be looking at. You really need to continue reading if you want to learn more about the various types and examples of paragraphs in academic English writing.

Are you ready? Let’s do it.

Types of Paragraphs

There are several types of paragraphs. In writing, each paragraph has a specific purpose.

Please note that it is possible to combine these types of paragraphs within a larger piece of writing to create well-structured essays, reports, and articles.

Also, the choice of a particular paragraph type depends on the writer’s purpose as well as the message they want to convey to their audience.

If you are a high school or university student, here are some common types of paragraphs you need to know.

1. Introduction Paragraph

The introduction paragraph is one of those types of paragraphs you cannot afford to overlook in most academic English writing situations.

An introduction paragraph is the opening section of an essay, article, or any written piece. Its primary purpose is to grab the reader’s attention, provide essential context, and present the thesis statement or main idea of the entire work.

Please, note the following vital features of a typical introduction paragraph.

An introduction paragraph starts with a hook.

A hook is a compelling sentence or phrase designed to capture the reader’s interest. It can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a vivid description.

Always ensure that the hook has a bearing on the topic of your essay.

Background Information

Another important element of an introduction paragraph is its background information.

After the hook, you often provide some background information. The purpose of this background information is to help readers understand the broader context of your topic.

For instance, if you are writing about a historical event, you might briefly mention when and where it happened.

Thesis Statement

The most critical part of an introduction in paragraph writing is the thesis statement. This is a clear and concise sentence that states the main argument or purpose of your essay.

It is the thesis statement that tells the reader what your essay will be about and what position you’re taking.

Always ensure that your thesis statement is as specific and arguable as possible.

You can find practical examples of thesis statements at the end of this post.

Finally, some introduction paragraphs include a brief roadmap. Think of the roadmap as an outline of the main points that will be covered in the essay.

Thus, the roadmap gives readers a preview of what to expect in the main essay.

Please, check out examples of roadmaps in paragraph writing at the end of this tutorial.

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2. Narrative Paragraph

Narrative paragraphs tell a story or recount a series of events. They often include details about characters, settings, and actions as part of the overall narrative structure.

3. Descriptive Paragraph

Descriptive paragraphs focus on details that paint a clear picture of a person, place, object, or experience.

They appeal to the reader’s senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch among others.

4. Expository (Informational) Paragraph

Expository paragraphs provide factual information and explanations about a specific topic. They aim to educate the reader and often include statistics, examples, or evidence to support their points.

5. Persuasive Paragraph

The primary purpose of persuasive paragraphs is to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.

Such paragraphs present arguments and evidence that appeal to the audience’s emotions as a way to convince them.

6. Compare and Contrast Paragraph

Among the types of paragraphs that high school and college students will, at some point in their academic journey, be compelled to write is the compare and contrast paragraph.

These paragraphs highlight the similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas.

Typically, compare and contrast paragraphs help readers understand the relationships between the concepts, ideas or objects under consideration.

7. Cause and Effect Paragraph

Cause and effect paragraphs explain the reasons (causes) behind a particular event or situation and the outcomes (effects) that result from such.

Simply put, compare and contrast paragraphs show the cause-and-effect relationship between events.

8. Process Paragraph

Have you ever written an essay in which you needed to describe how something is done? For example, you might have described the process of preparing a particular dish.

Types of paragraphs that describe a series of steps or actions in an orderly sequence are what we call process paragraphs.

Process paragraphs provide a clear guide on how to do something or how something works.

9. Definition Paragraph

Definition paragraphs clarify the meaning of a term, concept, or idea. This type of paragraph often includes both dictionary definitions and explanations in the writer’s own words.

10. Illustration (Example) Paragraph

Illustration paragraphs provide specific examples to support a point. In other words, they illustrate a concept.

The main objective of illustration paragraphs is to make abstract ideas more concrete and relatable.

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11. Concluding (Summarizing) Paragraph

Concluding paragraphs summarize the main points of an essay or section. This type of paragraph gives a brief recap of the key ideas discussed.

In a nutshell, a concluding paragraph helps tie the piece of writing together.

Types of Paragraph Examples

Find below a practical demonstration of the various types of paragraphs in academic writing. These paragraph examples should further clarify the points we’ve been discussing in this tutorial (and related ones) about paragraph writing best practices.

I’ve tried to use a wide variety of paragraph-writing topics to help you get a full feel of the things you need to do to come up with your best paragraphs.

Introduction Paragraph Example

Here’s an example of an introduction paragraph for an essay about the importance of lifelong learning:

“Did you know that in today’s rapidly changing world, the skills and knowledge you acquire today may become obsolete in just a few years? The concept of lifelong learning has never been more crucial. In this essay, we will explore the significance of continuous learning in personal and professional development. Lifelong learning empowers individuals to adapt to new challenges, seize opportunities, and lead fulfilling lives. We are about to discuss the reasons why lifelong learning is a key to personal growth and success in the 21st century.”

This introduction begins with a hook (the mention of rapidly changing skills), provides background information (the importance of lifelong learning), presents a clear thesis statement (the significance of continuous learning), and offers a roadmap (mentioning the reasons why it’s essential).

An effective introduction sets the tone for your entire essay. It entices the reader to continue reading so as to learn more about your topic.

Narrative Paragraph Example

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the sandy beach. As I walked along the shoreline, the gentle waves lapped at my feet, and seagulls soared overhead. It was the perfect evening for a beachside picnic with friends, a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Descriptive Paragraph Example

Nestled in the heart of the forest, the cabin stood in solitude. Its weathered wooden walls, adorned with ivy, seemed like a time capsule from another era. A small creek whispered nearby, and the scent of pine trees filled the air. This tranquil retreat offered respite from the chaos of city life.

Expository Paragraph Example

Photosynthesis is a crucial process in the plant kingdom. During this remarkable transformation, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This energy-conversion process not only sustains plants but also provides the oxygen we breathe, underscoring its significance in the ecosystem.

Persuasive Paragraph Example

The impact of climate change on our planet is undeniable. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice caps are clear signs of the crisis. It’s our moral duty to take action now. By reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for sustainable policies, we can collectively combat this urgent threat and preserve our planet for future generations.

Definition Paragraph Example

Resilience is a quality that many admire and aspire to cultivate. It refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, to withstand challenges and setbacks, and to adapt in the face of change. Resilience is not the absence of difficulties but the capacity to navigate them with strength and determination.

Concluding Paragraph Examples

The below two examples of concluding paragraphs are suitable for a school prefect’s speech about the achievements and challenges facing their school.

Example 1 – Inspirational Conclusion

In closing, as we reflect on our school’s remarkable achievements and the challenges we have faced, I want to leave you with this thought. Our school’s journey has been marked by resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Yes, we have encountered obstacles, but they’ve only strengthened our resolve to overcome them. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities, and achievements into stepping stones for an even brighter future. Let’s carry the spirit of determination forward, and with our collective efforts, there’s no doubt that we shall continue to shine as a beacon of education and inspiration. Thank you.

Example 2 – Call to Action Conclusion

In conclusion, our school’s journey has been one of both triumphs and trials. But remember, challenges are what make our victories even sweeter. As we move forward, let’s not only celebrate our achievements but also channel our energy into addressing the challenges that lie ahead. Let’s work together, students, teachers, parents, and staff, to create solutions and forge a path toward an even more prosperous future for our school. With determination and collaboration, there’s no challenge too great, and there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Thank you for your attention, and let’s embrace this exciting journey ahead.

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We cannot finish this discussion of the various types of paragraphs in academic English writing without taking a brief look at some examples of certain parts of the introduction paragraph.

I’m referring specifically to examples of the thesis statement and the roadmap.

Thesis Statement Examples

Next, we shall have examples of thesis statements that can be used as part of an introduction paragraph for different essay topics.

Essay on Climate Change

In this essay, we will explore the impact of human activities on climate change and argue that urgent action is needed to mitigate its consequences, protect our environment, and secure a sustainable future for generations unborn.

Essay on Technology’s Influence on Society

This essay will examine the profound influence of technology on modern society. We shall highlight both its benefits and challenges, and emphasise the need for responsible and ethical technological advancement.

Essay on the Importance of Education

In today’s knowledge-driven world, education plays a pivotal role in individual growth and societal progress. This essay will discuss the significance of education as a catalyst for personal development and social change.

Essay on Gender Equality

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, yet disparities persist in many aspects of life. This essay will analyze the ongoing challenges and advocate for a more equitable society that values and empowers all genders.

Essay on the Impact of Literature on Society

Throughout history, literature has served as a reflection of society, offering insights into culture, values, and human experiences. This essay will explore how literature has shaped and influenced societies, leaving a lasting impact on our collective consciousness.

Roadmap Examples in Paragraph Writing

Have a look at the below examples of roadmaps in paragraph writing.

Example 1 – Roadmap for an Argumentative Essay

“In this argumentative essay, we will explore the controversial topic of mandatory vaccinations. First, we will establish the importance of vaccinations in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health. Next, we will delve into the arguments against mandatory vaccinations, addressing concerns about personal freedom and potential risks. Then, we will present counterarguments to refute these concerns and emphasize the collective responsibility for community immunity. Finally, we will conclude with a call to action, advocating for informed vaccination decisions and the greater good.”

In this roadmap, each step of the argumentative essay is clearly outlined, from introducing the topic to presenting arguments and counterarguments to concluding with a call to action.

Example 2 – Roadmap for a Descriptive Paragraph

“This descriptive paragraph will paint a vivid picture of a bustling farmer’s market on a sunny Saturday morning. First, we will set the scene by describing the location and the time of day, creating a sense of time and place. Then, we will explore the vibrant colours and diverse array of fresh produce, capturing the sensory experience of the market. Next, we will highlight the sounds and aromas that fill the air, immersing the reader in the bustling atmosphere. Finally, we will conclude by conveying the overall sense of community and vitality that defines this beloved local market.”

In this roadmap, the descriptive paragraph is broken down into steps that guide the reader through a sensory journey of the farmer’s market, from the setting to the details that make it come to life.

Related Posts

• 80 Paragraph Writing Topics for Students and Teachers
• 90+ Likely Grammatical Name Questions and Answers
• What is A Paragraph in English? (Definition, Parts and Functions)
• Solutions to Environmental Pollution Essay Example
• Effects of Environmental Pollution Essay Example

Closing Thoughts

The above examples of types of paragraphs in academic writing should serve as a guide as you develop your skills in constructing your best paragraphs. In case you are a tutor, I believe that using this resource to help your students learn how to write the various types of paragraphs in any academic setting or in life situations, in general, will immensely advance your teaching objectives.

Finally, there is a lot more you can learn about essay writing at Cegast Academy. So make sure to look around for as much information as you can.

Did you find this information useful? Then share it on your favourite social media platform for the benefit of others you care about. Thank you!

Cegast Academy empowers students, mature learners, teachers, and parents with top-notch educational resources and publishing services. The centre boasts of a rich experience in English and Literature tutoring with a proven track record. Since 2001, Cegast Academy has successfully coached thousands of High School General Arts WASSCE candidates in English, Literature, and related subjects. With a combination of expertise and a passion for lifelong learning, the platform guides learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational and career goals.

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