The Elements of Writing Proficiency
Organize your paragraphs both globally and locally .
Global structure: There should be an understandable and visible structure to your essay. The structure should be clearly to show the path of your thinking to your audience; in other words, develop clear indications or signposts that point out to the audience each step of your thinking. There are many types of transitions that you can use. Ideas, key terms, or phrases that are repeated occasionally show the audience a clear chain of reasoning by highlighting links one supporting paragraph to another.
Local structures: The main use of a paragraph is to focus, unify, and development a single idea. Every sentence should have a clear relation to the topic of the paragraph. If a new idea arises as you are writing a paragraph, split it in two, and develop each idea fully.
Note: A few thoughts about paragraph length: an average paragraph has six to twelve sentences. A reader needs paragraph divisions to separate the various elements of your argument into digestible chunks. Single sentence paragraphs do have a particular function: to emphasize a key transition in your argument. In general, lengthy paragraphs tend to lose focus and develop several ideas rather than one. Each of your paragraphs should develop one idea about your thesis and provide some supportive evidence (summarized or quoted evidence).
Transitions or Signposts: When moving from paragraph to paragraph, you must help your readers follow the sequence of your argument by using transitional language that signals your organizational plan. As you shift from one author to another or from one element to another, words and phrases like "Similarly," or "However," or "To a degree," or "Additionally," provide useful signals about how you are relating one viewpoint to another-- whether you are suggesting a likeness or opposition, a qualified agreement, or an added emphasis. In general, the last sentence or two moves to connect the idea in the paragraph to the idea that will be developed in the next paragraph (transition or signpost sentences).