Topic sentences

A topic sentence tells the reader the topic of the paragraph and what is going to be said about that topic. For example:

For a sentence to convey what the writer intends, there are a number of things that the writer needs to think about.

The topic is 'writing sentences', and the claim is that there are several important aspects to writing a good sentence.

Paragraph structure

Structuring a paragraph well allows the reader to follow the writer's train of thought. Even a simple structure can help the reader to navigate. For example, an easy, yet effective, way to develop a paragraph from the topic sentence above would be to follow up with sentences such as: "The first thing the writer needs to consider is ....."; "Secondly, ...."

Thread between paragraphs

At the start of a new paragraph, the reader expects the writer to embark on a new line of thought. Yet the reader also expects the writer to indicate how the new paragraph relates to the previous one. A follow-up paragraph from the example above might begin:

Others have claimed that a good sentence has yet another quality.

Of course, seasoned writers have much to teach us when it comes to smooth transitions from one paragraph to another. They can round off a train of thought in one paragraph and then springboard into the next almost seamlessly. Observe how this author rounds off the point that he is making on language development among immigrant children before he signals that he is moving on to a different, albeit related, topic:

... If children cultivate a fine ear for the nuances of their peers' speech, and if they cast their lot with their peers' language over their parents', it suggests that their social antennae are aimed peerward.

Children of immigrants soak up not just the language of their adopted homeland but the culture as well...

(Pinker, 2002, p.391)

Paired linking phrases

Set sentence structures are handy tools for beginning a new paragraph. One such set structure is "not only ... but also", along with its variations.

In the example above, the main idea of the previous paragraph is woven together with "not just"; the topic of the new paragraph follows "but".

Children of immigrants soak up not just the language of their adopted homeland but the culture as well.

(Pinker, 2002, p.391)

Transitional devices

The words "as well" in Steven Pinker's topic sentence above indicates that the function of the new paragraph is to add on to the previous one.

Paragraphs can have other functions, too, and the linking expression (or 'transitional device') you choose will indicate this. To show sequence, for example, you might use an expression such as 'afterward', 'previously', etc. A paragraph beginning with the expression, 'Summing up', should do just that.

These and other devices for transitioning from one paragraph to another can be found at Purdue University's online writing lab.

Youtube

A number of academic writing centres around the world have uploaded short tutorials on Youtube. One video tutorial from Lund University looks at paragraph structure; and another from the University of Melbourne also looks at the flow between sentences, as well as sentence length.

Handbooks

Further guidance on paragraph development is to be found in the books on academic writing by Jane Bottomley and Stephen Bailey. These include exercises and are available as e-books through the university library. (Just remember to click on the name of the publisher in the field in the library catalogue marked 'Online resurser'.)

Just remember to click on the name of the publisher in the field in the library catalogue marked 'Online resurser'.