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Georgetown University Qatar Writing Center

Paragraph Structure

A strong body paragraph explains, proves, and/or supports your thesis. It revolves around one main idea generally contain a topic sentence and have transitions within and between paragraphs. To learn how to develop and structure your paragraphs, refer to these links:

Elements of a Paragraph - from Purdue Online Writing Lab

Developing Strong Paragraphs - from the Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence expresses the main idea of the paragraph and often serves as a mini thesis of the paragraph. Topic sentences often appear as the first sentence of each paragraph. When read in sequence topic sentences should provide the reader with an outline of your paper. This resource provides more information about topic sentences:

Using Topic Sentences - from the University of Toronto Writing Center

Transitions

Transitions help your paper flow; they create connections between and within your paragraphs so that your paper does not seem abrupt. Using transitions throughout your paper will make it easier for the reader to understand your argument.

How to Use Transitional Expressions and Words - from the Writing Center, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Comprehensive List of Transitional Words- from Michigan State University Writing Center