Paragraphs

- A paragraph takes many different forms. In academic writing, paragraphs are often long. They usually include a topic sentence, body sentences, and a concluding or transitional sentence. 

- The paragraph is a unit of writing expressing one specific idea, and is made up one or more sentences. 

* Academic writing: Paragraphs often have 3 parts: a topic sentence, one or more body sentences supporting the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence that transitions to the next paragraph. (or ends the essay). 

COHERENCE AND DEVELOPMENT:

In academic essay writing, a good paragraph is organized so that makes sense to the reader. Each sentence leads logically to the next, and is connected through transition words or other connecting words. In addition to a topic sentence and a main idea, an effective paragraph is coherent and develops its idea. 

COHERENCE

Coherence makes a paragraph understandable to a reader. 

- use logical and verbal connections. 

-make sure that each sentence in a paragraph relates in some way to the topic sentence. you can create these connections through the use of words("verbal connections"). For example:

Repeat key words

Use synonyms for key words.

Use pronouns to link sentences together

Link sentences with transition words. 

DEVELOPMENT

Refers to the support you have for your topic sentence. A well-developed paragraph should have an adequate number of sentences to support the main idea. Here are some ways you can make sure your paragraphs are developed. You can:

Use examples.

Give data.

Quote other, either directly or through paraphrasing. 

Tell a story.

Define your key words.

Compare or contrast ideas.

Examine causes and effects. 

SIGNPOSTS AND TRANSITIONS

SIGNPOSTS 

It helps the readers find their way. Signposts are important for readers, as they help the, understand your organization and thought process. 

eg: 

The purpose of this paper is ...

The previous research has shown...

The next section will illustrate... 

TRANSITIONS

- Are phrases or sentecnes that help you move from one idea to the next. Transitions are often used at the ends of paragraphs to create a conncetion between ideas, from one paragraph to the next. Common transitions include:

Moreover

Nevertheless

In addition

Similarly

On the other hand 

In conclusion