Building Strong Sentences & Paragraphs
Learn the core building blocks of academic writing: vary sentence types for control, build focused paragraphs, and connect ideas with clear transitions.
Why sentence and paragraph skills matter
Teachers and examiners reward clarity, accuracy, and coherence. Strong sentence control lets you express precise ideas. Well‑ structured paragraphs guide your reader through a logical train of thought.
Practically, these skills help with: writing clear introductions and conclusions, explaining evidence in essays, and producing concise answers under timed conditions. Below you'll find more examples and ready-to-use exercises to practise each element.
Sentence types: simple → complex → compound‑complex
1) Simple sentences
One independent clause. Use for clarity, emphasis, and pace.
The experiment failed.
2) Complex sentences
One independent clause + one (or more) dependent clause(s). Use to show cause, contrast, time, or condition.
Although the results were disappointing, the method was reliable.
If we increase the sample size, the data will be clearer.
3) Compound and compound‑complex sentences
Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Add a dependent clause to create compound‑complex structures.
The data were inconsistent, but the trend remained clear.
Because the novel is narrated in first person, readers trust the voice, yet they also notice bias.
Tip
Vary sentence lengths. Mix short for impact with longer, more developed sentences for explanation.
Common sentence mistakes (and quick fixes)
- Run‑ons: Break long, chained ideas into at least two sentences or add proper connectors: "The test failed, so we repeated it." → "The test failed. We repeated it with a corrected setup."
- Sentence fragments: Ensure each sentence has a subject and verb: "Because the sample was tiny." → "Because the sample was tiny, the results were unreliable."
- Overuse of passive: Passive is useful, but prefer active for clarity: "The committee approved the plan" instead of "The plan was approved by the committee" when you want to emphasise the actor.
Paragraph structure: topic → evidence → explanation → link
- Topic sentence: states the main idea clearly and connects to the question.
- Evidence/examples: facts, data, or quotes to support the point.
- Explanation/analysis: unpack “how/why” the evidence supports your point.
- Link/transition: tie back to your thesis or move to the next idea.
❌ Weak paragraph
School uniforms are important. Many schools use them. Some students like them and some do not.
✅ Strong paragraph
Topic: School uniforms can reduce social pressure (topic) because they minimise visible differences between students (reason).
Evidence: A 2022 survey of 1,200 pupils found fewer reports of appearance‑based bullying in schools with uniforms (evidence).
Explanation: When everyone dresses similarly, there is less focus on brands and trends, which helps students concentrate on learning (analysis).
Link: Therefore, uniforms can contribute to a more inclusive school culture (link).
Transitions and cohesion
Use signpost words to guide the reader through your logic.
Add / sequence
furthermore, in addition, firstly/secondly, next, finally
Cause / effect
therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, because
Contrast / concession
however, although, whereas, on the other hand, even though
Examples / emphasis
for example, for instance, specifically, in fact, notably
Practice: strengthen a paragraph
Improve this weak paragraph by adding a clear topic sentence, precise evidence, and a linking sentence:
"Homework is sometimes annoying. People have opinions about it. It can be useful but also stressful."