Paragraphs. Some tell a story, while others make a case. Most, including this one, are just a tiny part of a larger text. This article on writing about paragraphs aims to cover the basics of one of the most fundamental parts of a written work.
What is a Paragraph?
A paragraph is a section of writing made up of several sentences. However, the exact length of a paragraph can vary. Some instances allow for a one-sentence paragraph. Five sentences are typically the maximum.
Paragraphs are divided by indentations and line breaks. It is easy to tell where they begin and where they end. A well-structured piece of writing is clean and organized, two crucial factors writers should keep in mind for their readers.
In good writing, paragraphs should be self-contained. That means that a paragraph should have everything it needs and be able to stand by itself. Even if it is part of a more extensive work, ideas and thoughts should clearly be established paragraph by paragraph.
Parts of a Paragraph
There are three crucial elements in a paragraph: an Introduction Sentence, Supporting Details, and a Conclusion Sentence. These are all essential pieces. Each has a unique purpose to serve in a piece of writing.
Introduction Sentence
An introduction or topic sentence sets the tone for the paragraph. In academic writing, this could be a thesis statement. It could also be an issue raised in an email or the call to action of a promotional flier. Writers should set up a clear lead at the start of writing about paragraphs.
Introduction sentences introduce an idea, which the following sentences will support. Writers should make the purpose of their words clear. This is also the opportunity to hook the reader by enticing them to read further.
Supporting Details
The sentences following the introduction are the supporting details of writing about paragraphs. They will provide the backing and reinforce the introductory sentence. This section of a paragraph ‘makes the case’ for the main point.
Supporting details are the variable that determines the total length of a paragraph. For example, evidence may not be needed in a narrative story. However, in an academic paper, these details are required to establish support for a writer’s reasoning.
While the exact length of a paragraph should be made on a case-by-case basis, three to five is an average length. However, this generalization should not be used to divide longer blocks of text. Writing about paragraphs should be self-contained and follow a clear, logical order.
Concluding Sentence
The conclusion sentence brings a paragraph to a close but does not have to end a text. It functions as a line to reinforce the main idea and summarize the previous supporting details. If thconceptea does need to continue in another paragraph, this sentence provides a transition.
A writer completes a self-contained paragraph with a concluding sentence. It ties the entire section together by recapping the supporting details and returning to the main topic. All of these small pieces work together to create an ideal format.
An Example for Writing About Paragraphs
This example sentence introduces the idea of showing writing about paragraphs. Next, this line provides a supporting detail by giving a demonstration. Another sentence with supporting details can also be added. If needed, further evidence can also be included to illustrate the point. Finally, this example concluding sentence ties everything together by showing the elements of a five-sentence paragraph.
Common Pitfalls of Poor Writing About Paragraphs
Writing perfect paragraphs takes practice. There is a reason composition is taught in school, which is often the same reason the class is so dreaded. Organizing thoughts and ideas into writing, to then be judged by a reader, is a challenging and intimidating task to attempt, let alone master.
When practicing, it is essential to be mindful. Identifying any potential errors or weaknesses is an integral part of self-improvement. Once areas of concern are highlighted, steps can be taken to improve and avoid similar mistakes in the future when writing about paragraphs..
Understanding the basics of writing about paragraphs builds a sharp editorial eye. Take a look over the following list of some of the common pitfalls writers make in their paragraphs.
Weak, Missing, or Unclear Introduction
An introduction sentence gives a paragraph direction. The rest of the text suffers when it is missing or lacking focus. Supporting details may seem unclear, or a conclusion might seem random. A reader must understandds the main point of what they are reading.
The introduction sentence is the backbone of a paragraph. Supporting details give it substance. Without this central idea, writing about paragraphs can produce a slush of disconnected nonsense.
An ‘Unargruable’ Point
Writers should avoid using truisms- a claim so obvious it is self-evident. When writing about paragraphs, it is essential to remember text should serve a purpose. Generic lines like ‘life is unfair’ will not offer any new perspective. Offer a different point of view that makes the following words worth reading and considering.
Disjointed Sentences
While paragraphs function to break up longer bodies of text, they should not be placed haphazardly. Do not add a line break after every ‘x’ number of sentences. This will create writing about paragraphs that could bounce around, make no sense, and leave a reader feeling puzzled.
Remember that paragraphs are self-contained. By following the format described above, writers ensure their sentences follow an organized structure. This organization is not only beneficial for the author creating, but the reader absorbing.
Last Minute Information
The concluding sentence brings a paragraph to a close, potentially transitioning it into the next. Writers should avoid adding any new, last-minute information in this line. Each piece of a paragraph has a job to do.
A conclusion should pull the paragraph together through summary and restatement. If further information needs to be included, write more, but do not take away from the task of the concluding sentence.
Robotic Writing
Writers should aim to avoid cliche or canned phrases. Sentences that begin with “In this paper, you will find…” or “In conclusion evidence shows…” are unnecessary and pointless. Writing about paragraphs should be concise and to the point. Added words only work to detract from the central message.
Aside from sounding like a bad book report, these are also concepts that should be communicated through the text. It is information a reader should pick up on their own and probably won’t appreciate being told.
Reliable Narration: Remember the Reader
In any piece of writing, writers should never forget their readers. Who is this text being written for? What are these words trying to communicate? What should the reader take away from what is on the page? These are all essential questions for an author to ask during the writing process.
Audience is also a crucial factor to consider. Writers should always find the ability to take a step back from their writing and consider it from a different perspective. Ensure the text can convey the point with a fresh set of eyes. The art of writing about paragraphs can be difficult to accomplish, but a highly useful skill for anyone that ever needs to write something.
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