Writing Strong Paragraphs

If a sentence expresses a complete thought, a paragraph groups the sentences or related thoughts together. A paragraph usually has three or more sentences, but this doesn't have to be the case. Some paragraphs have but one sentence and that one sentence may have only two or three words.

Each paragraph should start with an opening sentence that gives the reader a general idea of what the paragraph will be about. For example, if you are writing about dogs, you may write a paragraph on each breed. To help the reader understand your paragraphs better, the first sentence of each should introduce the breed.

Example:
The border collie comes from Great Britian, where for centuries it has worked herding sheep. The border collie is a medium shaped dog, with long black and white hair...

Note how the first sentence of the paragraph generally lets the reader know that the paragraph is about, in this case border collies. The second sentence continues the thought with more detail - the dog's size and color.

Paragraphs also need a concluding sentence that lets the reader know that you are finished with the group of related thoughts. This sentence is as important as the opening sentence.

Example:
The border collie is a beautiful, intelligent dog and makes a wonderful pet.

Some paragraphs are so short that they have only one sentence. The one sentence is both an opening and a closing sentence, strongly relating one specific thought. It is often used to give extra emphasis to the paragraph.