Paragraph Function

Paragraphs give the writer control and the reader access. Paragraphs are often seen as one distinct space for developing one distinct idea.

Length

Depends on writer's purpose and reader's needs. One word to ?

Short paragraphs make for quicker reading, but a choppier flow often results.

Topic Statement

Thesis statement for a paragraph. Asserts a sub-point of the main thesis point. Used to orient the reader to what comes next. Orients the writer to what you are going to say next.

Paragraphs Require

• Distribution into sentences: Whether there are two or twenty sentences in a paragrah, the sentences must be coherent if you want to have a coherent paragraph.
• Explicit reference: The bearing of each sentence in the paragraph on the sentences that come before needs to be explicit.
• Parallel construction: When consecutive sentences illustrate the same idea, they should, as far as possible, be formed alike using parallel contructions.
• Indication of theme: The opening sentence, unless obviously prepatory, is expected to indicate the scope and subject of the paragraph.
• Unity: Unity implies a sustained purpose. Sentences should posses a unity that implies a clarity of purpose and forbids digression.
• Consecutive Arrangement: Related topics should be kept close together. Each sentence should follow the plan of the paragraph in its appropriate place.
• Marking of subordination: Principle and subordinate elements should have their relative importance clearly indicated.
• For increased coherence: Repeat key words and phrases.

Updated Version of Paragraph Requirements

• There must be a central topic idea.
• Topic development is limited to the paragraph in which the topic is broached.
• The topic sentence must express the topic idea.
• Each paragraph must be at least one sentence or a series of sentences.

In each Paragraph, be Conscious of the Ordering of Ideas

• general to specific: Think of yourself as a camera zooming in on the topic and its details.
• specific to general: Think of yourself as a camera pulling back from the closeup to get a wider shot.
• emphatic order (of importance): Could go from most-to-least or least-to-most. It's best to conclude with the information you want to remain most strongly with your reader.
• spatial: Choose a direction and stick with it. Work from top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right, or what have you.
• chronological: Begin with what happened first and take it from there.

Most importantly, be consistent with whatever ordering strategy you choose!

Making use of the Toulmin Model of Logic

• Provide your reader with some general discussion of a point that supports the essay's thesis.
• Provide an explicit/specific example/detail to illustrate the general discussion.
• Explain in a few sentences how the explicit/specific example/detail supports the essay's thesis.