Paragraphs

When do you create a paragraph? Paragraphs help to organize information in a paper; however, the most effective paragraphs are not just limited to the 3-5 sentence rule.

Writers choose to create paragraphs for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is because we want to shift the reader's attention to a new idea, a different perspective, or a new subset of material within a larger subject. A paragraph is a way to signal a change to a reader. Paragraphing can also be used to restate or summarize a point, emphasize it, or to provide additional support or evidence for an idea. A paragraph is like a promise to the reader.

However, all writers occasionally begin paragraphs just because it seems convenient. Sometimes upon revision, a paragraph seems too short, only one or two sentences, and so we may decide to combine that paragraph with another to create a longer unit. At other times, a paragraph may just look too long and so the writer may decide to try and break it up into two smaller chunks.

"Despite textbook pronouncements, anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent of the paragraphs written by accomplished professionals do not contain topic sentences. Furthermore, they don't observe the methods of development listed in most textbooks" (Lindemann 148-149).

Paragraph Organization

There are two main ways to organize the sentences in a paragraph: a coordinate sequence and a subordinate sequence.

Coordinate Sequence

1 Racism is everywhere.

2 In our homes we are taught to grin in people's faces, even though we may not like them, and believe that our culture is superior.

2 In classrooms we snicker when students of other races miss an answer to the teacher's question.

2 Although some racism may be evident verbally, it can also be found in a simple Band-Aid box and a pantyhose pack that have no flesh color for African Americans.

Subordinate Sequence

1 Although Ms. Jane Elliott, a race relations expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show, was popular with the audience, her message was ineffective.

2 She was extremely hostile, arrogant, and rude in her approach to the other guests.

Instead of listening to Ron's opinions, she criticized him, pointing her finger in his face and yelling at him.

4 She told him, "If you weren't a racist, you'd be a miracle. You don't look like a miracle to me."

Source: Lindemann's A Rhetoric for Writing Teachers p155.