Paragraph structure can make or break a web page. Done right, it makes it easy for readers to grasp the emphasis, logic and purpose of the page and keeps them on the page. Here are six simple tips for getting paragraphs right. Hope you find them useful.
Six simple tips for building easy to write, interesting to read paragraphs.
1. Just one idea per paragraph
Paragraphs lay out the writer’s ideas, one at a time, so that readers can follow the ideas in a sequence, which makes sense to them. Restricting paragraphs to just one idea helps the writer and his or her readers.
Writers are familiar with their ideas and understand them (or think they do). A swarm of ideas has been buzzing around in their heads for some time before being sorted and converted to written words. Laying out those ideas one at a time makes it easier for writers and better for readers.
Readers usually come fresh to a page. They start from scratch. When paragraphs contain just one new idea, readers can absorb and digest an idea before moving on. This helps readers follow the pathway that the writer has laid out for them.
One-sentence paragraphs are fine if that is all that is needed.
The first paragraph on a page, is different, it may introduce more than one idea because it has it’s own unique functions.
2. First paragraph convinces readers they are on the right page
A successful first paragraph draws a reader into the page. Its quality, content and style signal what lies ahead on the rest of the page. By its example, it announces that more of the page is worth reading because it is:
- Relevant,
- Interesting,
- Written in a comfortable, easy to read style, and
- Contains stuff the reader wants to know.
The first paragraph is the most important on the page. It deserves more of the writer’s attention than any other paragraph on the page.
As with all paragraphs the first sentence of the first paragraph is the most important.
3. First sentence introduces the idea
The first sentence of a paragraph introduces the key idea for that paragraph. It lets readers know where they are going on the track of ideas the writer has laid out. They can begin to understand the next step.
Burying the idea in the middle of the paragraph or building up to a finale in the last sentence leaves readers confused and frustrated. They have to work hard to get to the idea before they can start to ‘get’ the idea. A last sentence finale may work in creative writing, when a reader is already engaged emotionally with the text. But, you need to be smarter than I am to make this work. Get the idea out front so that you can explore it in the mid section.
4. Explore the ideas in the mid-sections of the paragraphs
The mid-section is the place to explore, expand and explain the idea you introduced in the first sentence. Readers have been warned what is coming and now is your chance to make sure they understand. Engage them in the idea, allow them to relate to and become involved with it. Remember readers are seeing the idea for the first time. Make sure they have absorbed it before you move on to the last sentence.
5. The last sentence links one idea to the next
The last sentence guides readers down the path of ideas you have laid out for them. It does not just link paragraphs it links the ideas. Here is the chance to show readers the logic of your thought, the clarity of your vision, the sense of your .…whatever …. It shows readers you know what you are talking about. Last sentence links will help you keep readers on your page until they get to the final paragraph.
6. The final paragraph: last chance for fame and stardom
The final paragraph is a writer’s last chances to influence what readers do next, how they will feel next and if they will return.
We need to make the most of every chance of influencing our readers we can get. So, make the most of the final paragraph. Give good clear signals of what you would like them to do next. Buy a product, bookmark the page, read a related article. Personally, I would be happy if you just pressed my ‘I love Social Bookmarking’ button. Wow, I sneaked that in. Most of all though make sure they leave you feeling goooood.
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