Paragraph structure is of fundamental importance when it comes to writing essays, especially short ones of around 1000 words, given that such essays will generally have fewer, and thus, more emphasized paragraphs.

In Part 1 of this guide on Paragraph Structure, two main points will be considered. These points are primarily aimed towards improving the paragraph structures of short essays. They are: Writing topic sentences (also known as thesis statements) and elaboration strategies.

1) Paragraph Structure: Writing Topic Sentences
The most important (and seemingly simplistic) point to understand is that topic sentences must address the central theme of the essay. For students, the central theme tends to be the essay question itself. Often, it should suggest the area of discussion of that paragraph.

Example
Theme: “The best things in life are free.” Are they?
Topic Sentences:

• Some of the best things in life cannot be bought with money - they are usually given at no financial cost.
• Some of the best things in life are a gift of nature.
• More often than not, the best things in life cannot come about without the pre-existing money factor.

2) Paragraph Structure: Strategies for Elaboration
A topic sentence is merely the first step of writing a paragraph. It is useless if it is not fleshed out accordingly. This is where elaboration comes in and there are several methods to do so. I will touch lightly on three.

1. Using specific details
   • Example: Love and friendship give people hope and joy in life and they are given unconditionally. Not many people can thrive in a loveless, friendless environment. Love from parents helps shape a child into a confident, well-adjusted adult; love from friends makes him feel wanted and accepted by society; love in a marriage makes a person complete. In times of need, love and friendship offer support, emotionally and in other more tangible forms. Yet, no love or friendship can be true unless it is given unconditionally - it is a feeling of concern and care for another that comes freely from the heart and is totally uncalculated.
2. By comparing and contrasting
• Instead of adding in details like in the example before this, you could use comparison to bring life to your paragraph. For example, you could compare between conditional love and friendship with unconditional love and friendship.
3. Analysis
• Analysis might seem similar to using specific details, but there is a fundamental difference. Analysis requires you to delve deeper into the topic at hand, while specific details might merely mean a scattering of various points of similar depth. For example, instead of just stating the various benefits of love, you could explain the various benefits in light of modern developments.

So, that is Part 1 of this guide on Paragraph Structure. Part 2 will concern three more points on paragraph structure: Use of examples, inter-paragraph and inter-sentence logical connectors and transitional statements. Until then, check out more guides on writing from EssayRep here.