Paragraph Parts

In prose writing, a good paragraph is like a good story. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. Just throwing a few related sentences together does not a paragraph make. There must be structure to it, a framework that holds the content. The beginning of a paragraph should lead readers in to the paragraph by providing a transition from the previous paragraph, by providing some kind of hook to snag readers' interest, and by announcing the subject of the paragraph. The meat or middle of the paragraph is the ideas, details and examples that support, explain and develop the subject of the paragraph. Everything in this section of the paragraph should relate to the subject, should flow smoothly from one sentence to the next, and should adequately support the key idea. Like a story, a paragraph should have an ending that gives it a finished feel. The ending should summarize the rest of the paragraph and leave readers with a parting thought that will create an effective transition into the next paragraph. With all parts of a paragraph working together, it will be a coherent unit of writing that contributes effectively to the overall purpose of the piece. And like a good story, it will leave readers wanting to read more.