# Science research writing - Paragraphing **Parent**:: [[♯ Science research writing]] 1.5.4 Paragraphing [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=98) ## Why is good paragraphing important? [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=98) A good paragraph generally has a single unifying function [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=98&annotation=XDJFETW9) Every sentence and indeed every part of every sentence should be relevant to the central function of the paragraph and drive that function forward [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=98&annotation=HYYBTELJ) ## How long should a paragraph be? [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=99) Two common errors in paragraphing are clusters of short or singlesentence paragraphs, and paragraphs that are too long and lose their way. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=99&annotation=QS2KF7ZB) ## How does skimming work? [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=100) Skimming focuses your attention on the first line or sentence of each paragraph. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=100) 1. READ the title...to predict the content. 2. CHECK the date and the name/s of the authors. 3. READ the Abstract/Summary/Highlights. 4. LOOK QUICKLY at the figures/tables to see how much/what type of visual data is included. 5. LOOK QUICKLY at the subtitles and the first line or sentence of each paragraph to get a ‘map’ of the paper. 6. READ the Conclusions/last paragraph to see where the paper is going. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=100) So what’s the strategy? [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101) * List each topic/concept/idea that you want to discuss and then order them logically for the reader. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101&annotation=NUEGZ3FG) * List the bullet points you want to include for each topic, and then order the bullet points logically for the reader. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101&annotation=Q67YTLVB) * Consider how many paragraphs you will need for each topic. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101) * Check that each paragraph has a function within that topic, for example to provide factual background/describe the advantage or disadvantage of a method/present an existing theory/explain why you agree with something/provide a detailed example/compare different techniques. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101&annotation=B89YEH4S) * Make sure that the function of the paragraph is clear to the reader. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101) * Consider using a statement of intent at the beginning of the paragraph to present the focus or topic of the paragraph and/or link it with the previous paragraph. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=101&annotation=AVUFL9S6)