What is a Paragraph in Writing?

Study Notes

A paragraph is a group of sentences that share a common idea and are written about a certain topic.
It often includes examples or evidence to support a topic, idea, or opinion.

A paragraph has a topic sentence that tells the reader what they'll be reading about, usually placed at the start of the paragraph.
It gives a general overview of what the paragraph will cover and introduces an idea, topic, or opinion that will be explained throughout the rest of the paragraph.

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph and guides the reader on what to expect.
It should be clear and concise, setting the tone for the rest of the paragraph.

Coherence means that the writing makes sense and ideas connect or work together to build or support a main idea.
Sentences in a paragraph should be written in an order that makes sense, like building a tower with blocks.
Effective paragraphs only include information about the topic being discussed, excluding random or unrelated sentences.

Transition words help connect sentences together and guide the reader, adding to the coherence of a paragraph.
They can show sequence, compare and contrast, and explain or add examples.
Examples of transition words include:
- Sequence: first, next, second, finally, meanwhile, after that, subsequently
- Comparison and contrast: likewise, in the same way, similarly, unlike, otherwise, on the other hand, conversely
- Adding detail or explanation: furthermore, additionally, also, especially, in particular, significantly, moreover