Paragraphs
In analytical/argumentative essays, the basic structure of the body is a collection of paragraphs, each presenting part of a cohesive argument that is related directly to the thesis statement. The length of your paragraph will usually depend on the number of examples or the amount of evidence you provide. In most cases, the paragraph concludes with a sentence that shows the significance of the evidence.
There is no particular requirement for a specific number of sentences in any one paragraph, although less than four would suggest you do not have a very strong case. On the other hand, many short paragraphs can make your writing appear disjointed, while very long paragraphs can be tedious to read. Some variations in the length of paragraphs usually helps make writing easier to understand.
A cohesive essay provides, among other things:
- Clear connections between pieces of evidence (within each paragraph)
- Smooth transitions between stages of the argument (between paragraph)
- A logical conclusion.
Librarian's Tip
