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OlgeF-lahys-lalelammm Basic Essay Format
S OF A PARAGRAPH
A paragraph is a portion of the essay that discusses one idea in detail and supports the thesis or main idea
of the essay. Each paragraph in the body of the paper should include a topic sentence, supporting details
to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence. The paragraph’s purpose and scope will
determine its length, but paragraphs must contain at least two complete sentences. For more information
on this topic, see the Basic Paragraph Format handout.
TOPIC SENTENCE
The main idea of each paragraph is stated in a topic sentence that shows how the idea relates to the thesis.
Generally, the topic sentence is placed at the beginning of a paragraph, but the location and placement
may vary with individual organization and audience expectation. Topic sentences often serve as
transitions between paragraphs.
SUPPORTING DETAILS
Supporting details elaborate upon and prove the topic sentences and thesis. Supporting details should be
drawn from a variety of sources including books, interviews, experiences, etc. plus the author's analysis.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Each paragraph should end with a final statement that brings together the ideas brought up in the
paragraph and emphasizes the main idea one last time.
EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH
Topic Sentence
yle requires cating a
Maintaining a healthy
nutritious diet and getting regular exercise. A nutritious diet
. Supporting Detai
includes cating a variety of foods from each of the four food pporting Detail #2
Supporting Detail #1
groups: meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and grains. Regulat
exercise is also an essential part of keeping a healthy lifestyle.
. . Most experts recommend exercising at least thirty minutes a day,
Supporting Detail #3
six days a week. These two aspects, eating a healthy dict and Concluding Sentence
exercising on a regular basis, will maintain a healthy lifestyle
UNITY AND COHERENCE
Proper essay and paragraph format helps to achieve unity and coherence and enhance the reader's
understanding. Using well-worded topic sentences and concluding sentences will help maintain unity
and coherence throughout the essay.
4) Unity is the continuity of a single idea (the thesis) throughout the essay. Each detail and example
should develop logically and refer back to the original focus.
4 Coherence means that each point should be linked to the previous and following points to help the
essay flow and progress logically and clearly. An easy way to link paragraphs together is through
transitions in each paragraph’s topic sentence.
Utah Valley State College Writing Cent