Paragraph structure

There are usually 3–6 paragraphs in the body of an essay, and each paragraph should:

  • present one new idea that adds to your argument
  • start with a topic sentence summarising the main idea for discussion
  • follow with an example and a brief explanation of how the point adds to your argument
  • be connected by a linking sentence describing the relationship between the two paragraphs.
Your paragraphs are where you must convince the reader of your argument, so be clear and concise.