How to use paragraphs

Did you know?

The symbol for a paragraph ¶ is called a pilcrow. You might see this symbol when you use a computer to type.

Paragraphs give structure to the text. Without paragraphs, readers could get muddled or bored.

Almost every piece of writing that uses more than a few sentences is organised into paragraphs.

• Paragraphs are groups of linked sentences about a single main topic.

• They divide texts into sections to make it easier to read and understand what is being said.

• Paragraphs can also be used to make writing more memorable.

• A paragraph is usually created for a new topic or idea.

• A paragraph is also used when a new person is speaking.

Paragraph structure

To make an idea or information clear, a paragraph might contain:

• A topic sentence – this tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about.

• The middle section – new sentences are often added here to expand on the main idea introduced by the topic sentence.

• The final or ‘hook’ sentence – this sentence can be used to link to the topic sentence of the next paragraph or it may summarise what has already been said.

However, writers can also decide to structure paragraphs for pace or flow. For example, a long, flowing description of a setting or a series of punchy short paragraphs to make an argument hit home.

Split this recipe into paragraphs

There are two main reasons to start a new paragraph:

• To show a change of topic

• To show when a new speaker begins talking

You can use TiPToP (Time, Place, Topic, Person) to help remind you when to use paragraphs.

Split the dialogue into paragraphs

It is worth looking closely at how paragraphs are organised to understand a writer’s purpose. It is useful to consider these questions:

• What is each paragraph about?
• How long is the paragraph?
• What are the lengths and types of sentences being used?
• What is the impact of how the paragraph opens or closes?
• Overall, what is the effect of these choices?

Using paragraphs for effect

Paragraphs are powerful tools for writers. They can add drama in a story or make a complicated argument easier to understand in a persuasive text.

If you just looked at the shape of paragraphs, you might even be able to guess what type of text you were about to read. For example, an information leaflet usually has short, similar size paragraphs; a formal letter also has a very recognisable shape.

One-line paragraphs

Rather like the use of ultra-short sentences, writers can use a one-line paragraph to stand out as a contrast to their longer paragraphs.

Contrasts of all kinds are often worth discussing as they create impact. One line paragraphs can create impact by impact by any of the following reasons:

• slowing the pace
• creating a shock
• making something stand out
• changing the flow of the writing
• repeating something

But, overusing one-line paragraphs reduces the impact they have so try to use them sparingly.