How To Write An Essay In Paragraph Format
A paragraph is a portion of the essay that discusses one idea in detail and supports the thesis or main idea of the essay. Each paragraph in the body of the paper should include a topic sentence, supporting details to support the topic sentence and a concluding sentence. The paragraph’s purpose and scope will determine its length, but paragraphs must contain at least two complete sentences.
Topic Sentence
The main idea of each paragraph is stated in a topic sentence that shows how the idea relates to the thesis. Generally, the topic sentence appears at the beginning of a paragraph. Topic sentences often serve as transitions between paragraphs.
Supporting Details
Supporting details elaborate upon and prove the topic sentences and thesis. Supporting details should be drawn from a variety of sources including books, experiences, or interviews.
Concluding Sentence
Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the paragraph and emphasizes the main idea one last time.
Unity And Coherence
Proper essay and paragraph format helps to achieve unity and coherence and enhances the reader’s understanding. Using well-worded topic sentences and concluding sentences will help maintain unity and coherence throughout the essay.
- Unity – is the continuity of a single idea (the thesis) throughout the essay. Each detail and example should develop logically and refer back to the original focus.
- Coherence – means that each point should be linked to the previous and following points to help the essay flow and progress logically and clearly. An easy way to link paragraphs together is through transitions in each paragraph’s topic sentence.