Paragraphs That Work: Topic Sentence, Support, Finish
How to build a clear paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details and a sentence that links to the next idea.
A paragraph is a unit of meaning. Readers expect one main idea per paragraph, introduced near the start and developed until the paragraph ends. When paragraphs do this, readers move through your text without effort. When they don't, even good ideas feel confusing.
The three parts
1. The topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. It's usually the first sentence.
2. Support explains, gives reasons, adds examples or describes. This is the longest part.
3. The finish closes the idea, often by showing a result or linking to the next paragraph. Short paragraphs in emails and stories don't always need one.
One clear advantage of free public transport is that it would reduce traffic. If buses and trains cost nothing, many people who drive short distances would leave their cars at home. Tallinn, for example, made public transport free for residents in 2013, and passenger numbers rose. Fewer cars would also mean cleaner air, which brings us to the question of health.
Writing strong topic sentences
A good topic sentence is specific enough to guide the paragraph and general enough to need support.
Too general
Transport is important.
Clear and useful
One clear advantage of free public transport is that it would reduce traffic.
Too detailed
Tallinn's passenger numbers rose after 2013.
The third one is a supporting detail, not a topic sentence. It belongs in the middle of the paragraph.
Ways to support an idea
- Explain: This is because…, This means that…
- Give an example: For example…, Take…, A good example is…
- Add a detail: numbers, names, a short scene, a quotation
- Show a result: As a result…, This leads to…
- Contrast: However…, On the other hand…
Try to use at least two of these in each body paragraph of an essay.
How long should a paragraph be?
It depends on the text type. In an informal email, two or three sentences is normal. In an essay or report, four to six sentences is typical. In a story, a single short sentence can be a paragraph when you want a dramatic moment.
If a paragraph is longer than about eight lines on a screen, check whether it contains two ideas. If it does, split it.
Practice
Take any paragraph you wrote recently. Underline the topic sentence in one colour and the support in another. If you can't find the topic sentence, write one. If everything is the same colour, add an example.
Quick practice
Fill in the gaps, then check.
- The first sentence of a paragraph, which tells the reader what it is about, is the sentence.
- After the topic sentence, add reasons, examples or that support it.
- One paragraph should have one idea.
- Start a new paragraph when you move to a new .
- The last sentence can sum up the paragraph or lead the next one.