How to Write a Paragraph

You will be asked to write paragraphs on various questions in Social Studies. You have been writing paragraphs for many years, and you may have excellent skills in this area. You should know that a paragraph is a group of sentences on one topic. Generally, a paragraph should have a topic sentence and three or more related sentences. That is just a guideline; no rules determine the length of a paragraph. Be sure you have explored the topic fully. The following tips may help you refine your writing skills.

• Unity: Be sure you understand the topic. Focus on the issue and do not include any unneccesary or irrelevant points just to make the paragraph longer! As well, do not make unsupported statements.
  Example of a generalization: Thousands of people are on waiting lists and even dying because of our poor health care system. You need PROOF. You will need to find concrete evidence to support your view.
  Example of an unsupported personal opinion: Most people in the developing world are poor because they are too lazy to work. Avoid making personal opinions unless you can support them.
• Clarity: Be clear in what you are trying to say. It is more important that your reader understands your message fully than for you to use fancy language. Try reading your paragraph aloud. Does it sound like something you would say? If not, it may need revision.
  
• Correctness Proofread! Use your spell check and grammar check. Get a friend, relative, or classmate to read it for you. Another pair of eyes is very important.