What Is a Paragraph?

You’ve probably seen paragraphs in books and other texts. They look like
chunks of text, and there is often an empty line between each one.

A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all related to the same point or
idea. They are usually made up of between four to seven sentences, but
that is more a guideline than a rule. The length of a paragraph depends on
the topic and the content of the paragraph. This paragraph is four sentences
long.
 Why Use Paragraphs?

We use paragraphs to help our reader follow the structure of our writing
and to draw clear boundaries around each idea or point. This gives each
paragraph its own special place in a piece of writing.

Start
In fiction, such as a narrative, paragraphs
steer the story. We use them to show a
change in place, time, topic, or speaker,
and to control the pace of the story: long
paragraphs make things seem slower, and
short ones make them seem quicker.
Finish
 When Do I Start a New Paragraph?

In fiction writing, paragraphs have less structure than non-fiction.

There are a few reasons to start a new paragraph in fiction:

• Something changes, or you start a new topic.

• A change of time or location.

• A new character enters the story.

• Dialogue (speech) starts.

• To break up a long stretch of speech from one

character (including long stretches of thought).

• To create emphasis on something.

 How Do I Structure a Paragraph?

In fiction writing, paragraphs have a less strict structure. Each one serves a
specific purpose. There are no rules about how long a paragraph should be.

There are three main types of paragraphs in fiction:

1. Exposition (setting the scene);

2. Narrative (telling the story);

3. Dialogue (speech).

Use each paragraph for a purpose and be specific with what the point of
each paragraph is.
 How Do I Structure a Paragraph?

Exposition

An exposition paragraph sets the scene and introduces your

reader to the setting, characters, and situation.

Example
The sun beat down on the parched earth and widened the cracks
between the patches of dirt. The heat rose in waves off the concrete and
cars. It was 8:30am and already 27°. Lucie was on the couch watching
cartoons and eating a cheeky ice block before Mum got up.
 How Do I Structure a Paragraph?

Narrative

Narrative paragraphs tell the story. They include plot points, action, and
drive the story onwards.

Example
Summer had been rather average so far, but this
morning was unusually warm. She began imagining
all the things her and Mum could do on such a lovely
day, go to the zoo, go to the beach, have a water
fight, get ice creams from the dairy… Each idea was
more exciting than the last. When the clock struck
nine, she decided it was high time to go and wake
up Mum and decide on their adventure for the day.
 How Do I Structure a Paragraph?

Dialogue

A dialogue paragraph is made up of speech (and sometimes a little bit of

storytelling too). It separates the dialogue from the rest of the text.
Remember each time someone new speaks, it should be on a new line.

Example
“Gooooood morning, Mum!” called Lucie, as she entered
the dark room.
“Is it breakfast time already?” asked Mum, as she began to
sit up.
“Yup!” said Lucie. “I thought we could figure out what to do
today while we have some cereal. It’s such a lovely
morning already, we’ve got to go on an adventure!”
“Alright,” Mum chuckled. “Go and pop the jug on and I’ll
have a quick shower, then we can discuss this adventure.”
 Have a Go!

In your next piece of fiction writing, have a go at using paragraphs to

organise your story. It will make it easier for your reader to follow and you
can show off how well you know how to use paragraphs to control your
writing.

See if you can spot an exposition, narrative, or dialogue paragraph

next time you’re reading a fiction book!