By Dana P Skopal, PhD

Good paragraph structure is important when writing, be it in workplace documents or university assignments. However, it seems many writers struggle to have a logical flow of information in a paragraph or overload the reader with too much information.

The first sentence in a paragraph is known as a topic sentence, which is followed by supporting sentences. Basically, the first sentence needs to tell your reader what issue that paragraph is going to cover. If you just printed out all the topic sentences, a reader should be able to see your document structure and main points. Indeed, many readers will skim read topic sentences when selecting what sections to read.

We previously wrote about beginning a sentence. Those principles apply when planning any paragraph. Our research has shown that if you place unknown or new information at the beginning of your sentence, or your subject is far too long (over 12 words), then you will most likely lose your reader.

Focus on your key point /element in your topic sentence and elaborate on that in the supporting sentences. You can explain why this point is important /relevant and provide evidence and examples. A paragraph develops one main idea, so do not introduce another new element; the next element forms the content of another paragraph.

Topic sentence – states one clear idea /element

Supporting sentence 1 – elaborates on this element

Supporting sentences 2 & 3 – provides evidence and/or examples

Supporting sentence 4 – explains why this point is important / relevant

Aim to link your ideas when writing a paragraph and then between paragraphs, which means writing coherently. Remember that readers are lost if you place new information /elements at the beginning of your sentence or paragraph.

Reference

Skopal, D. P. & Herke, M. (2017). Public discourse syndrome: reformulating for clarity. Text & Talk, 37,  doi: 10.1515/text-2016-0041.

Copyright © Opal Affinity Pty Ltd 2025