A paragraph is a sequence of sentences that cover one main idea or theme.
Change paragraphs for a new topic, time period, place or person.
There is no set length, but it should be more than a couple of sentences to develop your ideas fully.
Watch the video below to learn more about the paragraph.
Video about paragraphs
How is a paragraph structured?
Figure 1: Paragraph diagram with questions based on Burns and Sinfield (2016)
1. Beginning: introduces
Start with a topic sentence that outlines the point of the paragraph.
Example:
Another technique utilised for effect by van Gogh was impasto.
2 & 3. Middle: develops
The point is supported throughreliable evidence that is Harvard referenced.
Evidence can be direct quotations (word for word), paraphrases (a source’s ideas restated into your own words), summaries (an overview of a whole source), examples or visuals.
As well as showing others’ viewpoints, you need to comment on how you understand the evidence.
See some examples of ways to comment in the PDF below.
The example paragraph highlights the elements of Point, Evidence, Comment and Conclude.
Note how the reader is guided by using signpost words such as ‘however’, ‘in contrast’, ‘therefore’ and ‘nevertheless’. These words help to show the direction of your argument.