Paragraphs
Blinn College – Bryan Writing Center
Spring 2022
Paragraphs
Definitions of Paragraphs
Merriam Webster describes a paragraph as “a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more
sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker.” A Writer’s Reference defines a paragraph as
“a group of sentences that focuses on one main point or example” (42). A Writer’s Reference also explains that
with the exception of “special-purpose paragraphs” (introductions and conclusions, for example), “paragraphs
develop and support an essay’s main point, or thesis” and should be
“well developed, organized, coherent, and neither too long nor too
short for easy reading” (42).
A careful eye will detect a unifying thread between these
definitions: paragraphs deal with a single topic. This may explain
why essays do not succeed as hoped. Perhaps, in a writer’s
excitement, he or she becomes carried away with his or her own
thoughts and crams too many ideas into one paragraph. Likewise, in
his or her exhaustion or lack of enthusiasm for a certain topic, he or
she may use too little information to complete the intended
thought, moving on to new ideas without developing the one he or
she already began.
Purposes of Paragraphs
Academic writing may seem to rest contingent on merely meeting the minimum number of words assigned by
the teacher. However, many writers fail to realize that essays are not constructed by a particular number
of words; essays are constructed by solid ideas expressed in concise, well-structured forms. This is the purpose
of the paragraph.
Paragraphs draw definitive boundaries around ideas, giving each one a unique location in the landscape of the
larger essay. Paragraphs also display thoughts in singular frames, where each one can be easily identified.
Learning how to craft well-written, explicitly transitioned paragraphs allows writing to sound more purposeful
and energetic. A writer’s essay no longer feels like an impossible incline
of slippery words and slurred speech; instead, paragraphs serve as a
staircase in an essay, leading from the bottom floor of the introduction
to the top floor of the conclusion.
Again, with a careful eye exploring the box to the left, one may notice
that movement sums up the unifying purpose of the paragraph.
Paragraphs introduce and conclude essays. Paragraphs draw mile
markers between “important points” and “significant transitions.”
Paragraphs merge and shift lanes between similar and opposing
interpretations. However a writer chooses to view the paragraph, the
most appropriate view shows the paragraph in motion, moving the
reader through the paper.
Too Many Ideas
As any coffee lover knows, too many dark
roasted, freshly ground Ethiopian beans in
the morning’s first much-desired pot can
gurgle up a blackened, chary mess so bitter
and biting the coffee ultimately devours
the drinker instead of vice versa.
Too Little
Thin coffee tastes weak.
Paragraphs serve several purposes:
1) to introduce or conclude an essay;
2) to emphasize an important point or to
indicate a significant transition
between points;
3) to shift approach—from pros to cons,
or from problem to solution;
4) to mark movement in a sequence.
(See A Writer’s Reference pages 42-54 for
more on paragraph purpose)
