A paragraph is made up of statements closely related to a single topic. While writing paragraphs one should plan this well by:

·         Limiting the paragraph to statements that explain, describe, develop and support one topic.

 ·         Announcing the topic early in the paragraph by using a topic sentence.

A topic sentence summarises and introduces the central point of what the paragraph is all about. The first sentence should ideally be the topic sentence. This helps to shorten the reading time for the reader. Wherever possible the conclusion should be the topic sentence and should be at the top.

John is an extraordinarily hardworking worker. John usually arrives at work at 7.30 A.M. and works right through till 5.00 P.m. He rarely goes out for lunch. He seldom takes a tea break. He is prepared to stay late if warranted.

The first sentence conveys the topic. The remaining sentences in the paragraph supports and illustrates the topic.

How long should a paragraph be?  Normally formal pieces of writing such as reports are composed of longer paragraphs whereas shorter works such as memos are made up of shorter paragraphs. One sentence paragraphs are also acceptable if a single idea is being conveyed and adequately informs the reader. The trend nowadays is shorter paragraphs.

If a paragraph is very long, you should try to break it up into one or two separate ones. Very long paragraphs can be very confusing. You should also try to limit your paragraph to one idea.

A paragraph helps to make the writing clearer, arranging thoughts into separate sections so that they lead from one to another.

Normally a subject requires division into topics and each of these should be dealt with in a paragraph. The purpose of this is to help the reader. The start of a new paragraph is an indication that a new thought is being discussed or a new step in the development of the subject has taken place.

As a rule single sentences should not be written in a paragraph. Sentences of transition may be an exception indicating the relationship between parts of an exposition or argument.

The breaking of thoughts into paragraphs calls for a good eye and a logical mind. When a paragraph is very long it looks formidable. The reader may be reluctant to read the whole paragraph and he can also get lost in it. It is therefore prudent to break a very long paragraph into two even if it is not necessary to do so, to help the reader. One should, however, guard against too many short paragraphs as that can be distracting.