Anatomy of a Paragraph

Definition:

A group of sentences expressing a single idea clearly and effectively.

Job:

To communicate a single idea clearly and effectively.

Important Concepts to Remember:

A paragraph must be complete in itself and part of something larger.

Always keep in mind the relationship between the paragraph and the whole composition.

A paragraph must not be too short (underdeveloped) or too long (not focused).

A paragraph must logically connect to other parts of the essay. (organization!)

Requirements:

Indentation!

Topic Sentence!

(must be in support of Thesis)

Contain one central idea.

(stated in Topic Sentence)

Contains argument and support for Topic Sentence.

Unity

(distinct fundamental purpose)
• Understood on own.
• Sticks to the subject.

Coherence & Continuity

Coherence: logically connected parts.
Continuity: connections should be smooth.

Adequately Developed:

does what it set out to do.

Each paragraph is a “mini essay” with an Intro (Topic Sentence), Body/Discussion (specific evidence and analysis of evidence), and Conclusion (restate connection of paragraph topic to Thesis).

Don’t just end the paragraph, complete it!