Writing in paragraphs
Why paragraphs?
•	Paragraphs are the blocks of writing you use to build your assignments.
•	A paragraph is made up of a number of sentences linked together around a theme or topic.
•	Using paragraphs allows the reader to cope with a section at a time.
•	Paragraphs are a way of organising your thinking and making the meaning clear.
The process
Make a list of the points or ideas you plan to write about.  Decide what order you want to discuss these points in.  One way to do this is to write each point on a sticky note and shuffle them around.  Write each paragraph centred on one clear idea or point.
1.	Topic sentence: The first sentence is usually the topic sentence and tells us what the paragraph is about – the main theme, idea or point.
2.	Development: The middle is where you develop or expand your main theme and the point you are making.  Explain and clarify by offering definitions of terms and by giving more detail.  Give evidence in support of your point from reading or research.  Explain how this illustrates or proves the point you are making.
3.	Conclude: Finally, finish off the main idea of the paragraph with a concluding sentence.  You may want to link this back to the main point or the assignment title.  You can emphasise the main point.  You can prepare for the next paragraph.
Plan your sequence
Make sure each paragraph follows the one before it and leads to the one after in a way that makes sense to the reader.  Try to persuade the reader by having good reasons for the ordering of your paragraphs.  Remember there is no right or wrong order; the main thing is that the reader should feel that your line of reasoning flows and your writing has an underlying sense of direction.  It is difficult for the reader to understand what you are trying to say if your writing seems to hop back and forth so it is worth spending time getting your ideas in order.
How long is a paragraph?
There is no fixed or ideal length for a paragraph.  If you are changing direction and want to bring in a new idea, then start a new paragraph.  However, you should try to avoid really long paragraphs.  You may need more than one paragraph if the theme is complex.
www.ed.ac.uk/iad