This link provides clear guidance on paragraph writing. (thanks to Ashford University Writing Center)
How to Write a Good Paragraph - a Step-by-Step Guide
If you just want to refresh your memory quickly, here are the main points to writing a good paragraph!
Step 1: Decide the Topic of Your Paragraph
Each paragraph in your essay should make a main point. There should be an introductory paragraph. There should be a paragraph for each of your sub-theses (the pieces of evidence which you have included in your thesis statement). In a persuasive essay, there should also be a paragraph for a counter and rebuttal, and finally a conclusion paragraph.
Step 2: Develop a Topic Sentence
A strong topic sentence begins and focuses the paragraph.
Good topic sentences should always contain both a topic and a main idea.
Notice that a topic sentence is like a 'baby' version of a thesis statement: a topic sentence is used in a paragraph, and a thesis statement is used in a full essay.
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Point
Add to your paragraph and strengthen it with the following:
• Facts, details, reasons, examples
• Information from the readings or class discussions
• Paraphrases or short quotations
• Statistics, polls, percentages, data from research studies
• Personal experience, stories, anecdotes, examples from your life
Step 4: Give Your Paragraph Meaning
Why is this information is relevant, meaningful, or interesting? Don't include details that do not connect to your thesis statement or support your opinion.
Step 5: Conclude
Summarize the main point of your paragraph, draw conclusions about your point, and use linking words to connect your paragraphs together.
Step 6: Look Over and Proofread
Check your work for any errors of logic, connection, composition, grammar, and finally, spelling.
Now, start with Step 1 again and go on to your next paragraph!
How to Write a Good Paragraph - a Step-by-Step Guide
If you just want to refresh your memory quickly, here are the main points to writing a good paragraph!
Step 1: Decide the Topic of Your Paragraph
Each paragraph in your essay should make a main point. There should be an introductory paragraph. There should be a paragraph for each of your sub-theses (the pieces of evidence which you have included in your thesis statement). In a persuasive essay, there should also be a paragraph for a counter and rebuttal, and finally a conclusion paragraph.
Step 2: Develop a Topic Sentence
A strong topic sentence begins and focuses the paragraph.
Good topic sentences should always contain both a topic and a main idea.
Notice that a topic sentence is like a 'baby' version of a thesis statement: a topic sentence is used in a paragraph, and a thesis statement is used in a full essay.
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Point
Add to your paragraph and strengthen it with the following:
• Facts, details, reasons, examples
• Information from the readings or class discussions
• Paraphrases or short quotations
• Statistics, polls, percentages, data from research studies
• Personal experience, stories, anecdotes, examples from your life
Step 4: Give Your Paragraph Meaning
Why is this information is relevant, meaningful, or interesting? Don't include details that do not connect to your thesis statement or support your opinion.
Step 5: Conclude
Summarize the main point of your paragraph, draw conclusions about your point, and use linking words to connect your paragraphs together.
Step 6: Look Over and Proofread
Check your work for any errors of logic, connection, composition, grammar, and finally, spelling.
Now, start with Step 1 again and go on to your next paragraph!
EXAMPLE - Subthesis Supporting Paragraph for the Tasha Tudor essay.
"Tasha Tudor lived an authentic life, true to her own values and beliefs. She did without modern clothing and conveniences, heated her house with wood, and grew her own vegetables. She raised goats for milk, spun her own flax for clothing, and insisted on one of her houses being built only with hand tools. In fact, she felt so strongly about living close to nature that she even alienated family members, who could not tolerate the hard physical work and constant commitment involved. Her first marriage ended in the early 1960s and a brief second marriage was over in 1966. Through her entire life she always painted images of nature and old-fashioned ways of living. " The subthesis (and its paraphrase) is in green; the supporting details are in brown. The last sentence, in italics, was deleted from the rough draft because while it is true and correct, it is not relevant for this paragraph: it is not a detail which connects to the subthesis of 'an authentic life'. |