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Writing an Effective Paragraph

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A Paragraph is . .

A group of sentences related to asingle topic or controlling idea

A unit of thoughts or ideas thatcontain a single focus

A part of the whole essay

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What makes a paragraph effective?

Paragraphs need to be focused on aunified and single topic.

Paragraphs need to create bridgesfrom previous ideas to new ideas

Paragraphs need to develop logically,from introducing the controlling ideato developing the controlling idea.

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Use Topic Sentences

Until you are an experienced writer, itis a good idea to begin yourparagraph with a topic sentence in

which you state a controlling idea.Refer to this frequently as youdevelop your paragraph.

Make sure that your sentencessupport, expand on, or furtherdevelop your controlling idea.

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Use transitions

Transitions take the reader from oneidea to the next.

They help maintain smoothreadability.

They help you segue into the nextparagraph.

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Use Verbal Bridges

Use key words that appear more thanonce in the paragraph.

Use synonyms to reiterate the keywords (try “Thesaurus!”).

Use pronouns to help the reader referto previous paragraphs or sentences.

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Check your form

Use good sentences that use preciseformats that are suitable for your topic(comparison/contrast; persuasion;

examples; description; cause andeffect; process).

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Practice Time

Below is an introduction to an essay. Read it carefully and thenwrite the next paragraph.

A community college serves neighborhoods in two veryimportant ways: through academic programs and through

non-academic programs. The rising cost of college tuition,the increase in older students returning to school after abreak, and the need for additional support for students whoare not ready for the four-year institution make thecommunity college a viable alternative in higher education. Inaddition, the community college is a resource for learningand enrichment for those who live within commuting

distance. Both academically and non-academically,community colleges can serve the needs of neighboringcommunities with a variety of offerings.

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Works Cited

Purdue University Online Writing Lab.<http://owl/english.purdue.edu/ 

handout/general/gl_pgrph.html