Most authors write a paragraph and really don’t think about it. The bottom line is that is how it should be (Automatic, to the point, clear and complete). But, what are the characteristics of a good paragraph? That is what we will talk about in this blog.
A good paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting ideas (usually 3 – 6) and of course RENNS (reasons, examples, names, numbers, senses). An optional concluding sentence can be added, which expresses the importance of the information in the paragraph. It may summarize the supporting ideas if the paragraph is long, or provides a transition to the next paragraph of the essay.
When you are writing a paragraph remember the word, “unity”. Basically this means that all sentences in the paragraph directly support the topic sentence. If you flood your reader with excess or misplaced information you will lose coherence. Always make sure that all the information of the paragraph is well-organized, logically ordered and easy to follow.
Process of Writing a Paragraph:
- Compose your topic sentence. Think of a topic that will fit well into one paragraph. If you have a broad topic break it into two or paragraphs and use a concluding sentence to transition between them.
- List your supporting ideas. Choose 2 – 6 that do a good job supporting your topic sentence.
- Write a topic outline. Don’t actually write sentences in the outline simply list the items you plan to talk about. Put them in the best or logical order.
- For each supporting idea you have, go through select and list the RENNS that further explain the idea. For the perfect paragraph each supporting idea should have about the same number of RENNS.
- This probably obvious but, you are now ready write your paragraph using real sentences.
- Create a concluding sentence if needed.
Well, that is it in a nutshell. Everything you need to write the perfect paragraph for essays, technical works or just about anything. Oh course fiction writing and storytelling in general is a bit different, but mastering a good paragraph is still a fundamental skill that all writers must have.
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