Each paragraph has a job
A paragraph is a small group of sentences about one idea. In a good text every paragraph does one job:
- Opening: says what the text is about.
- Reason: says why.
- Example: shows a real case.
- Other side: shows a different view.
- Ending: wraps up and gives the answer.
Ask of each paragraph: what is your job?
Relations between paragraphs
A relation is how one paragraph is tied to the one before it. The common ones are:
- Reason: because, this is why
- Example: for example, for instance
- Contrast: but, however, on the other hand
- Result: so, therefore, as a result
- Addition: also, another, moreover
- Order in time: first, then, finally
These small words are signposts. They tell the reader which way the road turns.
Structure and flow
Structure is the shape of the whole text. A simple shape has three parts: Start (say the topic), Middle (reasons, examples, the other side) and End (the answer or the lesson). Some writers use four parts: introduce, develop, turn, conclude.
Flow means the reader never feels lost. Keep one idea in one paragraph, put paragraphs in an order that makes sense, and use signposts between them. If you swap two paragraphs and nothing breaks, the flow was weak.
Try it: cut up a text
Try it. Take a short article from a newspaper or a school book. Write each paragraph's job in two words in the margin (for example: reason, example). Circle the signpost words. Then, in your head, move one paragraph to a new place. Does the text still make sense? In the 3D, press the swap button and see what breaks.
Key formulas and definitions
- Text = Start + Middle + End
- Reason: because; Example: for example; Contrast: but; Result: so
- One paragraph = one idea = one job
- Good flow = right order + clear signpost words
Worked examples
1. A text has paragraphs: (1) Cycling is a good habit. (2) It keeps us fit. (3) For example, Asha cycles to school and feels fresh. (4) But roads must be safe. (5) So wear a helmet and use cycle lanes. Name the job of paragraph 3.
Paragraph 3 is an example. It gives a real case (Asha) to prove the reason in paragraph 2. The words for example show this relation.
2. Which signpost word fits between paragraph 3 (a good example) and paragraph 4 (a problem with unsafe roads)?
But (or however). Paragraph 4 turns to the other side, so the relation is contrast.
3. In the cycling text, which paragraphs form the Start, Middle and End?
Start: paragraph 1. Middle: paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 (reason, example, other side). End: paragraph 5 (the answer: be safe).
Common mistakes
- Putting two ideas in one paragraph, so the reader cannot find the job of the paragraph.
- Using a wrong signpost, such as writing so when the next paragraph is a contrast.
- Having an opening but no ending, so the text just stops.
- Thinking that more paragraphs means a better structure. Order and links matter more.