A paragraph is a group of sentences on one topic or with one focus. It should begin with an introductory sentence, which sets out the subject of that paragraph. The remainder of the paragraph should go on to explain that initial sentence. If you find that you are writing about something different from your initial sentence, your paragraph is probably too long and your focus has wandered.
There is no set length for a paragraph. It is possible, however, to have your paragraphs too long or too short. There are some guiding principles that will help you to get your paragraphs just right.
If you find that your paragraphs are too long:
- Try splitting a single long paragraph into two shorter ones. It is perfectly acceptable to begin a paragraph with a sentence connecting it to the previous paragraph.
- Try to organise your writing so that your ideas are developed logically and sequentially (as we discussed earlier in this unit). If you find that a paragraph contains more than one idea, you may need to re-organise your essay so that your ideas are developed more logically
- Look at the other paragraphs in your essay. Paragraphs should all be of roughly similar length. If you find that you have one or two paragraphs that are much longer than all the others, read them carefully and try to find out why.
If a paragraph is too short, it may be because the initial idea has not been developed sufficiently. Try some of the following strategies:
- Use examples and illustrations
- Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
- Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
- Use an anecdote or story
- Define terms in the paragraph
- Compare and contrast
- Evaluate causes and reasons
- Examine effects and consequences.
Adapted from University of Bristol > Faculty of Arts > Improve your writing http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_39.htm
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