How to Write a Paragraph

Publication Date: 30 Mar 2018
Author: Ben Parker

Writing Paragraphs: New Rules and Approaches

If you are writing something, of course your aim is to interest the audience and make them read your work. However, it is not that simple to burn people`s curiosity nowadays. This can be even challenging sometimes. You should compete with other writers and mass media products. Most people define whether to keep on reading or leave that sort of writing from the very first sentences. So, your task is to grab their attention immediately.

The major issue that make readers leave the page is poor paragraph structure. That means you should take great pains to master your skills of paragraphs writing adapted for today`s audience.

The first rule here is just to forget everything you have learnt in school. Initially, the paragraphs were created for organizing long texts. That really worked for a long time.

The major reason why paragraphing system has changed is that people nowadays prefer online content to written material. People use the screens of their devices to read something more often than magazines or newspapers. It means that the approach of reading is different these days.

As the reading habits of audience has changed, writers shouldn’t ignore this fact. So, here are some rules you should follow while writing paragraphs which are about to be published. You can use all of them to make the advantage. So, here we go!

Use Short Paragraphs

If you want to attract more readers, try to use short paragraphs. In fact, readers don’t like reading a big wall of text with no breaks and white space. It makes them leaving a page immediately. Readers expect to see short paragraphs which are easier to read and understand. Short paragraphs also help the readers to focus and concentrate their attention.

Your paragraphs should all be clear and written with the relation to the audience. The average paragraph has to be between two and four lines. However, you can go over and under a little bit.

Don’t Forget about the Rhythm

Actually, the rhythm determines where the paragraphs end and where they begin. Sometimes it can be difficult to learn everything about rhythm in writing. You just have to feel it out. The more practice you have, the better understanding of the rhythm you get. Easy!

1. Variation
   As it was mentioned before, readers like short paragraphs. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your paragraphs should go under 50 words. Take into account that it would also be great for you to switch between long and short paragraphs while writing. If one or two of your paragraphs are four lines and more, try to make the next paragraphs shorter. If one or two of your paragraphs are one line, write the next paragraphs longer.
   In case all of your paragraphs are of the same size, your readers will be bored.
2. Topic
   The topic is one of the most important indicators of paragraph change. It is a critical point for clarifying. Remember that your readers can be distracted in case you change paragraphs at a topically improper time. Avoid beating the topic too much.
3. Emphasis
   Paragraphs which consist of one sentence add some kind of emphasis. This emphasis can be used to highlight some ideas or to create a dramatic effect. Your paragraphs can benefit a lot from this shortness. However, it is not always necessary to go for long paragraphs to short ones straight to put an emphasis. You can use a gradual decline in word count instead.

Yes, it is difficult to grab readers` attention now. However, by creating varied, short, rhythmic paragraphs you will surely succeed. It will make your work more structured and well-looked. The art of perfect paragraphing will make people waiting for your publications all the time. Follow these tips to write a paragraph to succeed.