Paragraphs
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a series of related sentences developing a central idea, called the topic. Try to think
about paragraphs in terms of thematic unity: a paragraph is a sentence or a group of sentences that
supports one central, unified idea. Paragraphs add one idea at a time to your broader argument.
How do I unify my ideas in a paragraph?
Probably the most effective way to achieve paragraph unity is to express the central idea of the
paragraph in a topic sentence.
Topic sentences are similar to mini thesis statements. Like a thesis statement, a topic sentence has a
specific main point. Whereas the thesis is the main point of the essay, the topic sentence is the main
point of the paragraph. Like the thesis statement, a topic sentence has a unifying function. But a
thesis statement or topic sentence alone doesn’t guarantee unity. An essay is unified if all the
paragraphs relate to the thesis, whereas a paragraph is unified if all the sentences relate to the topic
sentence.
Note: Not all paragraphs need topic sentences. In particular, opening and closing paragraphs, which
serve different functions from body paragraphs, generally don’t have topic sentences.
In academic writing, the topic sentence nearly always works best at the beginning of a paragraph so
that the reader knows what to expect:
The embrace of Twitter by politicians and journalists has been one of its most notable features in
recent years: for both groups the use of Twitter is becoming close to a requirement.
—Paul Bernal, “A Defence of Responsible Tweeting”
This topic sentence forecasts the central idea or main point of the paragraph: “politicians” and
“journalists” rely on Twitter. The rest of the paragraph will focus on these two Twitter-user groups,
thereby fulfilling the promise made by the topic sentence. By avoiding irrelevant information that
does not relate to the topic sentence, you can compose a unified paragraph.
How do I develop my ideas in a paragraph?
Often, the body paragraph demonstrates and develops your topic sentence through an ordered,
logical progression of ideas. There are a number of useful techniques for expanding on topic
sentences and developing your ideas in a paragraph.
Illustration in a paragraph supports a general statement by means of examples, details, or relevant
quotations (with your comments).
In Harry’s world fate works not only through powers and objects such as prophecies, the Sorting Hat,
wands, and the Goblet of Fire, but also through people. Repeatedly, other characters decide Harry’s
future for him, depriving him of freedom and choice. For example, before his eleventh birthday, the
Dursleys control Harry’s life, keeping from him knowledge of his past and understanding of his
identity (Sorcerer’s 49). In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby repeatedly assumes
control over events by intercepting Ron’s and Hermione’s letters during the summer; by sealing the
barrier to Platform 93⁄4, causing Harry to miss the Hogwarts Express; and by sending a Bludger after
Harry in a Quidditch match, breaking his wrist. Yet again, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban, many adults intercede while attempting to protect Harry from perceived danger, as Snape
observes: “Everyone from the Minister of Magic downward has been trying to keep famous Harry Potter
safe from Sirius Black” (284). All these characters, as enactors of fate, unknowingly drive Harry
toward his destiny by attempting to control or to direct his life, while themselves controlled and
directed by fate.
—Julia Pond, “A Story of the Exceptional: Fate and Free Will in the Harry Potter Series”
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a series of related sentences developing a central idea, called the topic. Try to think
about paragraphs in terms of thematic unity: a paragraph is a sentence or a group of sentences that
supports one central, unified idea. Paragraphs add one idea at a time to your broader argument.
How do I unify my ideas in a paragraph?
Probably the most effective way to achieve paragraph unity is to express the central idea of the
paragraph in a topic sentence.
Topic sentences are similar to mini thesis statements. Like a thesis statement, a topic sentence has a
specific main point. Whereas the thesis is the main point of the essay, the topic sentence is the main
point of the paragraph. Like the thesis statement, a topic sentence has a unifying function. But a
thesis statement or topic sentence alone doesn’t guarantee unity. An essay is unified if all the
paragraphs relate to the thesis, whereas a paragraph is unified if all the sentences relate to the topic
sentence.
Note: Not all paragraphs need topic sentences. In particular, opening and closing paragraphs, which
serve different functions from body paragraphs, generally don’t have topic sentences.
In academic writing, the topic sentence nearly always works best at the beginning of a paragraph so
that the reader knows what to expect:
The embrace of Twitter by politicians and journalists has been one of its most notable features in
recent years: for both groups the use of Twitter is becoming close to a requirement.
—Paul Bernal, “A Defence of Responsible Tweeting”
This topic sentence forecasts the central idea or main point of the paragraph: “politicians” and
“journalists” rely on Twitter. The rest of the paragraph will focus on these two Twitter-user groups,
thereby fulfilling the promise made by the topic sentence. By avoiding irrelevant information that
does not relate to the topic sentence, you can compose a unified paragraph.
How do I develop my ideas in a paragraph?
Often, the body paragraph demonstrates and develops your topic sentence through an ordered,
logical progression of ideas. There are a number of useful techniques for expanding on topic
sentences and developing your ideas in a paragraph.
Illustration in a paragraph supports a general statement by means of examples, details, or relevant
quotations (with your comments).
In Harry’s world fate works not only through powers and objects such as prophecies, the Sorting Hat,
wands, and the Goblet of Fire, but also through people. Repeatedly, other characters decide Harry’s
future for him, depriving him of freedom and choice. For example, before his eleventh birthday, the
Dursleys control Harry’s life, keeping from him knowledge of his past and understanding of his
identity (Sorcerer’s 49). In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Dobby repeatedly assumes
control over events by intercepting Ron’s and Hermione’s letters during the summer; by sealing the
barrier to Platform 93⁄4, causing Harry to miss the Hogwarts Express; and by sending a Bludger after
Harry in a Quidditch match, breaking his wrist. Yet again, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of
Azkaban, many adults intercede while attempting to protect Harry from perceived danger, as Snape
observes: “Everyone from the Minister of Magic downward has been trying to keep famous Harry Potter
safe from Sirius Black” (284). All these characters, as enactors of fate, unknowingly drive Harry
toward his destiny by attempting to control or to direct his life, while themselves controlled and
directed by fate.
—Julia Pond, “A Story of the Exceptional: Fate and Free Will in the Harry Potter Series”
