Paragraph Formation: Rules & Examples | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - CAT PDF Download

Introduction

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. Well-written paragraphs keep your writing clear and focused, making it easier for readers to follow your thoughts. Organising sentences in a logical way ensures that your main idea is communicated effectively.

Importance of Paragraph Formation

Understanding paragraph flow is key. A paragraph begins with the main idea and ends with a conclusion. In paragraph jumble questions, you need to recognise the beginning, end, and main message of a paragraph. Arrange sentences logically to form a coherent paragraph. Practising this improves both paragraph writing and comprehension by helping you follow the natural flow of ideas.

The Basic Rule: Keep One Idea in One Paragraph

• The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. 
• You can have one idea and several pieces of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the paragraph. 
• If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the correct approach.

Elements of a Paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following:

1. Unity

• The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander into different ideas.

2. Coherence

Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. One can help create coherence in paragraphs by creating:

(a) Logical bridges

• The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence.
• Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form.

(b) Verbal bridges

• Repetition of key words – repeating important terms helps remind the reader of the main idea.
  Example: “Education is essential for progress. Education also empowers individuals to think critically.”

• Use of synonyms or related words – avoids monotony while keeping the topic connected.
  Example: “The car was fast. This vehicle could reach 200 km/h.”

• Pronouns referring to earlier nouns – maintain flow without repeating nouns unnecessarily.
  Example: “Ravi bought a new phone. He loves using it.”

• Transition words or connectors – indicate relationships such as addition, contrast, cause-effect, etc.
  Examples: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, in addition, on the other hand.

3. A Topic Sentence

• A topic sentence tells the reader the main idea or focus of a paragraph.
  
• While not every paragraph must have a clear topic sentence—and it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end—it’s usually helpful to place it near the start so readers can quickly understand the main point. This is a good rule for new writers, though it’s not the only way to write.
  
• Even if your paragraph doesn’t have a direct topic sentence, you should still be able to clearly state what it is about.
  

4. Adequate Development

How to Know When to Start a New Paragraph?

1. When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
2. To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
3. When your readers need a pause. Breaks between paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing be more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex.
4. When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Transitions and Signposts

Two important elements of paragraphing are signposts and transitions.

• Signposts are internal aids to help readers; they typically consist of sentences or paragraphs outlining what the article has covered and where it is going next.
• Transitions are one or more sentences that “transition” from one idea to the next. They are often used at the end of paragraphs to help the flow from one paragraph to another.