Error (Pet Peeve) #2: Poor Paragraph Structure

The second common error that results in poor writing is poor paragraph structure. To ensure that you avoid poor paragraph structure, you need to understand good paragraph structure.

Prior Knowledge Activity

Directions: Let's see what you remember from your basic grammar classes. Read the sentence below, and see if you know the missing words. Mouse over the blanks to reveal the answers.

Every paragraph needs one ________ sentence and three to five ________ sentences.

 

The Topic Sentence The topic sentence (also known as a thesis sentence) introduces the main points (usually one to three) for the paragraph. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in the paragraph, but it does not have to be the first sentence.

 

The Supporting Sentences The supporting sentences support the points outlined in the topic sentence, usually with examples, logic, explanations, quotations, and ideas.

Check Your Understanding Activity

Directions: Read the paragraph about Jane. Use the paragraph to answer the questions that follow.

Jane is a seven year old young lady. She has a mom who is forty eight. She has many positive attributes; however, these attributes are often overshadowed by her many behavioral problems. Jane is caring, loving, and helpful; she enjoys helping her mother clean and her father work in the yard. When Jane is in a good mood, she plays and shares with others. When Jane is not in a good mood, she does not get along with others. Jane will hit her friends when they try to play with her toys. Jane often throws tantrums and is non-compliant toward adults.

 

 

 

MIND MOLDER

Remember that the first (one to three) paragraph of your paper is the thesis paragraph that outlines the purpose of the paragraph, provides an introduction to the topic, and delineates the contents of the paper. Each of your preceding paragraphs should support the thesis of the paper and build upon the prior paragraphs. Use transitional sentences between paragraphs to summarize the preceding paragraph and introduce the topic of the next paragraph. Transitional sentences between paragraphs increase flow of thought and clarity. Finally, the final paragraph of your paper should summarize the contents of the paper and provide a conclusion. See p. 68 on length of paragraphs.

Download the APA paper to see an example of these two types of paragraphs and transitional sentences.

Download the Outline an Academic Paragraph worksheet to assist you in your writing.

 

return to top | previous page | next page