More often, however, you will need to explain that relationship in a separate sentence. You might be able to explain the relationship between the example and the topic sentence in the same sentence which introduced the example. NONE of your examples should be left unexplained. This explanation shows readers why you chose to use this/or these particular examples as evidence to support the major claim, or focus, in your paragraph.Ĭontinue the pattern of giving examples and explaining them until all points/examples that the writer deems necessary have been made and explained. The next movement in paragraph development is an explanation of each example and its relevance to the topic sentence and rationale that were stated at the beginning of the paragraph. Well-developed: Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s controlling idea (Rosen and Behrens 119).Coherent: The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a definite plan for development (Rosen and Behrens 119).Clearly related to the thesis: The sentences should all refer to the central idea, or thesis, of the paper (Rosen and Behrens 119).Unified: All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea (often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph).What else should you keep in mind as you begin to create paragraphs? Every paragraph in a paper should be: So, let’s suppose that you have done some brainstorming to develop your thesis. Any cracks, inconsistencies, or other corruptions of the foundation can cause your whole paper to crumble.

Building paragraphs can be like building a skyscraper: there must be a well-planned foundation that supports what you are building. There are many techniques for brainstorming whichever one you choose, this stage of paragraph development cannot be skipped. The decision about what to put into your paragraphs begins with the germination of a seed of ideas this “germination process” is better known as brainstorming. The whole process is an organic one-a natural progression from a seed to a full-blown paper where there are direct, familial relationships between all of the ideas in the paper. A working thesis functions like a seed from which your paper, and your ideas, will grow. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader that there is a recurrent relationship between your thesis and the information in each paragraph. What is the most important idea that you are trying to convey to your reader? The information in each paragraph must be related to that idea. Before you can begin to determine what the composition of a particular paragraph will be, you must first decide on an argument and a working thesis statement for your paper.

Paragraphs