Paragraphs are extremely important in college essay writing (and in all writing, really) because their breaks signal to readers where one idea is ending and another one is beginning. When the readers are professors, those signals are doubly important, as they can make or break a grade.
While writing paragraphs may seem like an intuitive kind of skill, there are some easy things to keep in mind while writing to make sure paragraphs do what they’re supposed to do: illustrate an idea and end when it’s done.
Topic Sentences for Paragraphs
Most students are taught that all paragraphs need topic sentences. This is true, but it’s not as cut and clear as some teachers and professors make it sound. For instance, topic sentences are necessary, but where they go isn’t set in stone. A topic sentence doesn’t necessarily come into play in the first sentence of a new paragraph, since the first sentence sometimes works better as a transitional phrase alone.
The paragraph should have one single idea, and this idea should be reflected in a topic sentence, close to the beginning of the paragraph. All following thoughts in the paragraph should fall under this topic sentence, whether it is illustrating or designing the point.
PIE and Paragraph Structure
PIE is a wonderful pneumonic device that helps writers remember how to develop a paragraph properly. The acronym stands for Point Illustration Explanation, and by these guiding points, a writer can see what he or she needs to address on the topic in order to address it thoroughly. Readers should be able to understand each aspect of the paragraph, in terms of the writer’s ability to make a point, illustrate that point, and then explain it.
Point
The point is the topic sentence. In the 5 paragraph essay, this point/topic sentence will be one of the claims the entire essay addresses, one that was in the original thesis statement. Though it doesn’t have to be the first sentence of the paragraph, the topic sentence should appear by the third sentence. But remember: one point per paragraph.
Illustration
During the illustration phase of paragraph structure, the writer provides evidence to support the point, or topic. Depending on the type of essay, this can take many forms, whether it’s textual evidence, a memory based on the point, or a supporting quote from an outside source. Either way, it should work to show proof of the paragraph’s point. Just try to remember to show the readers, rather than simply tell them.
Explanation
This is where the writer must find the reasoning between the point and the illustration. Without the reasoning/explanation, a point can seem, well, pointless. The point can be easily misconstrued. It’s important not to leave the readers guessing at what is meant by the point and illustration. It’s the writer’s opportunity to show that he knows what he’s talking about.
Example of PIE Paragraph Structure
Consider the following paragraph: Although the Andean condor is listed as an endangered species, its ever-growing population is extremely encouraging. According to ornithologist Marc Whitacre, “Thanks to breeding programs across the country, the Andean condor population seems to be stabilizing almost everywhere” (75).
So what’s wrong here? There’s a topic sentence (the condor’s population is on the rise), and there’s an illustration (quote from an expert, in proper MLA format). However, there’s no explanation. This paragraph is flat and feels a bit lifeless without further explanation. This is where the writer should take time to reason and make sense out of his point and illustration.
Making Sure Paragraphs Stay on Point
Once the writer has finished his essay and believes he has stayed on topic through all of his paragraphs, this is the time to self edit and make sure of it.
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