Everybody loves when they come across a paragraph so imposing that their curious eyes cannot help but scan through it, giving their undivided attention. The power of words compels us from reading further. Such is the impact when an individual learns engaging ways to start a paragraph in an essay.
Starting a new paragraph may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Writers have to write new paragraphs thousand times every day. One must make use of a variety of sentence introductions. It will not only help in creating a new section. However, it will also ensure the work is unique and readable for all.
This article is authored to give away specific interesting points to budding writers regarding techniques and ways to start a paragraph in an essay.
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph can be defined as a distinct section of a piece of writing. It is a brief subdivision that can extend to a length of seven to eight sentences. Usually, paragraphs deal with a single theme or a topic. It is indicated by a new line, indentation or numberings. It helps an individual to easily read and understand.
A ‘perfect paragraph’ is expected to start with the main topic. It is essential for writers to ensure that they are not presenting too much text in a single chunk. In order for a paragraph to be effective, it must begin with a topic sentence. Sentences supporting the main idea of the paragraph must be included to maintain a consistent flow.
It must not begin to stray and develop new ideas. However, in some styles of writing, a paragraph is considered only a sentence long. It can be given the name ‘controlling idea’ because it controls what happens in the rest of the paragraph.
Why should you use paragraphs?
Writing is an art. Paragraphs are a vital part of constructing an essay, story, article or any other extended piece of writing. Building and creating ideas throughout your writing can be one reason. Another motive is to keep the write up clear to understand and read.
How to write better paragraphs?
Table of Contents
Each must follow the same basic rule of structure, be it a small or a big paragraph. The length should be appropriate to be able to flesh out the entirety of the paragraph’s main idea. The information one curates must logically relate to the next paragraph in line.
The coherency of the content must be constantly checked. Thus, below are some elements/tips that will help to write better paragraphs.
1. First sentence of the topic:
The first sentence of the paragraph gives the readers’ information what will come next. While writing fiction, the introduction either sets up an idea or a scene. It may even continue from the paragraph before. It does not matter what genre the paragraph is based on, unless every good paragraph starts with a central idea. The rest of the paragraph shall seek to support it.
2. Support via middle sentences:
Middle sentences provide follow-up details to the previous paragraph. These sentences aim to convey the main idea of the topic to the readers. It is because of these sentences that they see your main point of view. It helps them to believe and envision it further.
3. Last sentence as conclusion or transition:
A conclusive sentence generally hints to the last line of the paragraphs. It assists in concluding a particular idea before progressing forwards. The conclusion should succeed in providing a summary of the information. However, the next paragraph must continue with the same idea.
4. Know when to start a new paragraph:
It is very important to give paragraph breaks. It can be for various reasons. This includes: to introduce a new speaker, to change the point of view or simply to give the readers a pause from long paragraphs. Paragraph breaks can also control the speed of your writing. Generating a new mood or feeling is also a characteristic of this point.
5. Transition words:
Transition words can help connect separate paragraphs. Phrases like ‘However’ or ‘furthermore’ are called transition words. They give a better and pleasant reading experience. It is quite useful to regular writers and bloggers.
What are the ways to start a paragraph in an essay?
One can become a better writer just by knowing different ways to start a paragraph in an essay. The following ways can help add interest and power in your content.
1. Adverbs:
A word ending in ‘ly’ at the starting of a paragraph can be used as a great link to the next. Certain examples of the same are ‘consequently. It leads the readers to a result in relation to the information. Next, ‘similarly’ is used to break ideas into two parts. No doubt, adverbs give the paragraph a better start.
2. Substitute to ‘However’:
However is a very powerful word. It is also very cliché. Luckily, we have other substitutes like:
- Nonetheless
- Although
- Nevertheless
- At the same time
- Despite this
- Yet/but
Use these words to give your audiences a smooth reading!
3. ‘You’ approach:
This approach is used as a type of opening for a paragraph. It addresses the readers directly. It sometimes starts with a question. This is one of the easiest ways to start a paragraph in an essay. An example of the same is, ‘Do you ever read the draft of your writing?’
4. Story approach:
This point starts with describing a scene in the third person point of view. It evokes a feeling your reader enjoys. An example of the same is, ‘A wet, dull day greeted her as she walked down the narrow street’.
5. Dependent clauses:
Dependent clauses have also proved useful in starting a paragraph. There are numerous words to start these clauses. They include:
- If
- Until
- While
- Whenever
- Because/As
Conclusion
In conclusion to the above discussion, we have seen the different engaging ways to start a paragraph in an essay. All successful writers have struggled with when and how to start a new paragraph.
Finding and choosing the right word to start a paragraph is very important. Sometimes the best way is to select a word or a phrase and see how it fits in your sentence.
