Paragraphs

Paragraphs stem from a good essay plan.

You need to go into an essay with a clear idea of what you are
going to say in each section.

Paragraph (definition): A distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a

single theme and indicated by a new line (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014)

What do you need to know about paragraphs at Degree level?

A paragraph should be a number of

English Department Guidelines
sentences strung together that talk about
one particular topic. Essay length Average number
The initial sentence introduces the topic (word count) of words
and the final sentence of a paragraph (per paragraph)
should indicate the close. It also marks a 1500 170
significant pause in the writing as a 2500 250
whole. 3500 340

How long should a paragraph be?

There is no absolute definition to length. Paragraphs can be long and short. Ideally
they should be at least 3 sentences long and no longer than half a page. It should
start with an introductory sentence which provides the basis for the rest of it.

You do not need to

indent your paragraphs
just leave a clear line
when you start a new
paragraph.

Point, Evidence and Explain

This is a good way to structure your paragraphs:

1. Introduce the point of your paragraph

2. Back this up with critical evidence
3. Explain your point of view and conclude, leading onto your next paragraph.

This provides a framework for each paragraph.

Take care

Do not hit the return key Enter after a sentence!

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Example paragraphs

Schemes run by the Government to help the unemployed are starting to

become more and more successful. INTRODUCTION. Not only are they
statistically proven to be a success, with unemployment rates at their lowest for
six years, they also increase confidence and morale (BBC, 2014). POINT
BACKED UP WITH EVIDENCE. Having escaped the recession just a few years
ago, Britain needs to be pro-active and put in place an employment structure
that will prevent future unemployment ‘outbreaks’ similar to the one in 2009. It
is initiatives such as the Work Experience programme that will help Britain do
this. POINT OF VIEW EXPLAINED. The next step is to implement many more
of these programmes and ultimately decrease unemployment levels even
further. CONCLUDING SENTENCE, WHICH LEADS ONTO ANOTHER
PARAGRAPH.

The vast increase of foreign footballers into the English Premier League means
the English National team is on a rapid decline. INTRODUCTION. Not only has
the football team recently exited the Brazilian World Cup at the group stages
but throughout 2013 their world ranking slumped to as low as 17th, their worst
position since December 2000. This highlights the lack of progress and I put it
down to, in part, the surge in foreigners playing in the English domestic
leagues. The total English players present in the Premier League has now fallen
below one third (BBC, 2013). CRITICAL EVIDENCE. This means quality
English footballers are being forced out of the top league and being forced to
ply their trade in the lower levels of football. English players need experience of
top-level footballers or the nation risks dropping further behind the likes of
Germany and Spain. CONCLUDING SENTENCE, WHICH LEADS ONTO
ANOTHER PARAGRAPH.

References and further reading

BBC (2014) Skillswise: English for adults. [online] Available from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english [Accessed: 11/06/2014]

Bristol University (2011) Improve your writing. [online] Available from:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_13.htm [Accessed: 11/06/2014]

Grammar Worksheets (2011) Grammar Worksheets. [online] Available from: http://www.grammar-

worksheets.com/index.php [Accessed: 11/06/2014]

Oxford dictionaries (2014) Paragraph. [online] Available from:

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/paragraph [Accessed: 11/6/1014]

Sinclair, C. (2007). Grammar: A Friendly Approach. Maidenhead: Open University Press

For an appointment or further advice:

Phone: 01785 353500
Email: studyskills@staffs.ac.uk
Visit: Skills Spaces: Thompson Library, Stoke OR Octagon, Stafford
Additional resources are available the website at: http://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/AcademicSkills

Please note that any information provided by the ASK team is advisory only. No liability will be attached to the University, its
employees or agents for any loss or detriment suffered by a student relying on the advice given.

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