Paragraph Structure

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

A body paragraph is like a miniature essay itself. Like the essay as a whole, the paragraph needs to follow a logical structure so the reader can keep track of your argument. You can help the reader by answering the questions he/she is likely to have in reading the paragraph. A dialogue between a reader and body paragraph might look like this.

READER: I wonder what this paragraph will be about?

PARAGRAPH: Legalizing marijuana will help the economy.

READER: Sounds good. But I need some proof.

PARAGRAPH: The government will be able to tax marijuana, just like it taxes alcohol and tobacco.

READER: OK, but does the writer really know why that point helps support the thesis.

PARAGRAPH: Taxes from marijuana can support drug treatment programs to train users for productive jobs. In addition, the government will save money on law enforcement and prison construction.

READER: This paragraph is convincing. Now, how’s the writer going to get to the next point?

PARAGRAPH: The monetary savings in the criminal justice system are not the only benefit to people previously considered lawbreakers.

READER: Nice transition. Let’s just peek ahead to make sure the next paragraph follows up on this.

PARAGRAPH: Marijuana users will no longer be relegated to the fringes of society.

Legalizing marijuana will help the economy. The government will be able to tax marijuana, just like it taxes alcohol and tobacco. Taxes from marijuana can support drug treatment programs to train users for productive jobs. In addition, the government will save money on law enforcement and prison construction. The monetary savings in the criminal justice system are not the only benefit to people previously considered lawbreakers.

Marijuana users will no longer be relegated to the fringes of society.

THE QUESTIONS IN ORDER

1. What is this paragraph about? (Topic sentence)[1]

2. What evidence will support this assertion?[2]

3. Why is this evidence convincing?[3]

4. How does this paragraph relate to the next?[4]

---

[1] Without a topic sentence you’ll lose serious credit for organization. A topic sentence will also help you as a writer keep your focus on one main idea per paragraph.

[2] Outside the MCET, this is the point where a reader will expect a specific quote, fact, statistic etc.

[3] Giving the evidence is important, but you also need to prove that you understand its significance in the context of your own individual argument.

[4] This is the least important question to answer. If no good transition suggests itself you can skip it as long as it is clear how each body paragraph supports the overall thesis.