From sentences to paragraphs.
A good paragraph is one idea, built well: a clear topic sentence, a few sentences of support, and linkers that guide the reader from one thought to the next.
Start with a topic sentence
The first sentence states the paragraph’s one idea. Everything after it should support that idea — nothing wanders off.
Add support
Give reasons, examples, or evidence. Two or three sentences is usually enough.
Use linkers to guide the reader
- Adding: also, moreover, in addition
- Contrasting: however, on the other hand, although
- Result: so, therefore, as a result
- Example: for example, for instance, such as
- Sequence: first, then, finally
A worked example
Reading every day is the fastest way to grow your vocabulary. When you read, you meet words in context, so their meaning is easier to remember. For example, a learner who reads one short article a day will see hundreds of useful words each week. Moreover, reading shows how words combine naturally. As a result, your writing starts to sound more fluent — almost without effort.
Test a sentence
Write your own topic sentence and check how it’s built:
Frequently asked
What makes a good English paragraph? A good paragraph has one main idea in a topic sentence, two or three sentences of support, and linking words that connect the ideas.
What are linking words? Linking words connect ideas across sentences: however for contrast, therefore for result, for example for illustration.