Paragraph Writing

Writing a paragraph is, after sentence composition, the most basic step in writing. Paragraphs, like sentences, can ask questions, command actions or state facts. They will lead with an introductory sentence, especially if the paragraph is intended to stand-alone and is not part of a larger work.

The body of the paragraph will back up, modify or explain that introduction. The number of sentences needed to fill the body of the paragraph will vary depending on the complexity of the subject matter. The final sentence will in most instances, be a summarization of the introduction or one that segues into the next topic or paragraph. Paragraph writing consists of compiling a group of sentences that relate to one another with regard to the subject.

Paragraphs can be as short as three sentences or fill an entire page. Bad paragraphs are the ones that try to cover too much disparate material, and often end up confusing to the reader. The writer’s ability to separate similar ideas that encompass a different aspect of the subject matter into concise paragraphs is vital. A solidly constructed paragraph, where good transitional phrasing and grammar are used, conveys a solid idea or thought well. Paragraph writing should be fine tuned and honed by all writers, since it is a vital building block for nearly all written work.