Writing focus: What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of about 6-12 sentences about one topic. Every sentence in a
strong paragraph is about the same topic. All of the sentences explain the writer's main
idea (most important idea) about that topic, When the writer wants to write about a new
main idea, he / she begins a new paragraph.

A paragraph can give information, tell an opinion, explain something, or even tell a short
story. The sentences are arranged logically, so the reader can easily understand what the
writer wants to say.

In academic writing, a paragraph has a topic sentences that directly tells the reader the
main idea. The other sentences in the paragraph, called supporting sentences, give more
information about the topic. They add specific details and explanations. In academic
English, the topic sentences is usually (but not always!) first or last.