One paragraph, one point

A paragraph is a unit of argument. It should make one point, state it clearly, and support it. When a paragraph tries to make three points, readers lose all three.

The shape

1. Topic sentence: the point, stated plainly. (Context.)
2. Support: evidence, examples, numbers, citations. (Content.)
3. Closing sentence: what this means, or how it links to the next point. (Conclusion.)

The skim test

Read only the first sentence of every paragraph in your section. Do they, together, tell the argument in order? If yes, your structure works. If some first sentences are vague ("Several methods exist."), rewrite them to state a point ("Existing methods need thousands of labelled images.").

Signs a paragraph needs splitting

• It's longer than about half a page.
• You use "Also," or "Another thing" in the middle.
• The topic sentence doesn't cover everything in it.

Signs paragraphs need merging or cutting

• Two paragraphs make the same point.
• A paragraph has no clear point at all; often it's notes you haven't digested yet.

Transitions

Start paragraphs with links that show the logic: "In contrast,", "This raises a problem:", "To test this,". These tell readers how the new point relates to the last.

RememberOne point per paragraph, stated in its first sentence. Skim the first sentences: they should tell your whole argument.