STUDYSmarter

SurvivalGuide
WRITING A PARAGRAPH
What is a paragraph? How do you structure a paragraph?

A paragraph is a unit of thought which

represents one clear idea. Paragraphs are
formed through a series of sentences. In
academic texts, most paragraphs will have
2. COHERENCE
at least four or five sentences. Thinking
about the best way to organise these
sentences in your paragraph is necessary if 1. TOPIC SENTENCE
you want to present your ideas in a
coherent, unified and logical manner.

TIP 3. UNITY 4. FLOW

The minimum length of a paragraph is

approximately 5 lines. The maximum length
would be half of an A4 page, however it is
best to stop at around 10 lines.

Why are your paragraphs important?

A well-written paragraph develops a

1. Topic Sentence - A statement of the
singular argument that builds to your central
main idea you will discuss in the
argument. Each paragraph should reveal
paragraph.
new information.
2. Unity - Each sentence builds on and
When poorly composed, a paragraph is a
links to the one main idea of the
set of loosely connected sentences. In
paragraph.
essence, poor paragraphs raise questions;
good ones deal with them.
3. Coherence - The main idea is developed
TIP — Useful linking words and phrases using explanations, examples, etc. in a
clear, logical and connected way.
To add:
also, in addition, furthermore 4. Flow - The way you order your ideas and
To compare: your use of appropriate linking words and
similarly, in the same way phrases contribute to the smooth flow
and development of your ideas.
To contrast:
however, on the other hand Academic paragraphs are different from the
To give examples: paragraphs you see in newspapers,
for example, for instance magazines and emails. They are more in-
depth and they rely to a greater extent on
To summarise: credible evidence to back up any claims
therefore, thus, hence that have been made.

Essays 4
Paragraph sample Editing your paragraphs

Sport psychologists are also Write naturally to let your ideas flow and

-□
Topic sentence
assisting coaches to manage identifies point your argument build. Always leave time for
to be
talent. Doing so requires an developed. editing and a final proofread.
understanding that talented
people are very good at Check you have:
reflection (good thinkers).
They also exploit their  Ended all paragraphs with your own
strengths through strong self voice, not a quote.
-awareness, which is turned
into their advantage. In
addition, talented people
-
often fail, but learn to convert
setbacks into opportunities.
They have an urge for
-□
Appropriate
linking phrase
used.



Varied your vocabulary (look for repetitive
words like therefore or however).
Included at least one or two references
per body paragraph.
Paraphrased rather than quoted when
you can (this shows a greater

-□
Supporting
personal growth, meaning sentences understanding of the text).
and purpose in all that they develop and  A proper paragraph structure before and
explain
do, and a general feeling of argument. after any large indented quotes.
being on the move
(Robertson & Abbey, 2003).
Understanding and
borrowing information on

-□
good-to-great levels of Expert sources
paraphrased
leadership (Collins, 2001) and
and [on] what (really) works referenced. TIP
and does not work in
managing people in business Your paragraphs form the body of your
settings (Kehoe, Baartz, & essay, report or thesis. Look at other
Bate, 2004; Robbins, 2003) survival guides to help with your
would assist sport introduction, conclusion, thesis statement,
developing an argument and essay

-□
psychologists and sport Concluding
coaches in …[managing
sentence draws structure.
ideas together.
talent].1

1
Adapted for teaching purposes from Gordon S. 2007, ‘Sport and business coaching: Perspectives of a sport psychologist’ Australian
Psychologist, 42, 271-282, p. 277.

Like this Survival Guide? Why not check out more of our guides...
Developing Essay Arguments, Introduction and Conclusion, Structuring Essays, Writing Thesis Statements,
and Quoting and Paraphrasing.

Want to know more about STUDYSmarter?

Find out about all our services and resources at: www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au

Any suggestions?
We would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]

This resource was developed by the STUDYSmarter team for UWA students. When using our resources,
please retain them in their original form with both the STUDYSmarter heading and the UWA logo.