In my country, we had rules. Five paragraphs always. Introduction, three body, conclusion. Here my professor says "it depends." That's not helpful! I need a number to follow!
After asking many people, here's what I learned:
For a short essay (500-800 words):
One paragraph = one main idea. When you finish that idea, start a new paragraph. Some ideas need more words, some need fewer.
How I check my paragraphs:
I read each paragraph and ask: what is this paragraph's job? If I can't answer in one sentence, the paragraph is confused. If two paragraphs do the same job, I combine them.
Paragraph length:
Most are 150-250 words. If a paragraph is longer than 300 words, I check if it should be split. If shorter than 50 words, I check if it needs more development.
I made a checklist for my next essay. Hopefully my professor will be happy!
After asking many people, here's what I learned:
For a short essay (500-800 words):
- 5 paragraphs usually works
- Introduction, 3 body, conclusion
- Safe and simple
- 6-8 paragraphs
- Introduction (1)
- Body paragraphs (4-6)
- Conclusion (1)
- Each body paragraph = one main point
- 9-12 paragraphs
- Can use subheadings to organize
- Some paragraphs can be longer, developing complex ideas
One paragraph = one main idea. When you finish that idea, start a new paragraph. Some ideas need more words, some need fewer.
How I check my paragraphs:
I read each paragraph and ask: what is this paragraph's job? If I can't answer in one sentence, the paragraph is confused. If two paragraphs do the same job, I combine them.
Paragraph length:
Most are 150-250 words. If a paragraph is longer than 300 words, I check if it should be split. If shorter than 50 words, I check if it needs more development.
I made a checklist for my next essay. Hopefully my professor will be happy!
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