Quick Help: Editing the paragraphs in your writing

• What is the topic sentence of each paragraph? Is it stated or implied? If stated, where in the paragraph does it fall? Should it come at some other point? Would any paragraph be improved by deleting or adding a topic sentence? (5b)
• Within each paragraph, how does each sentence relate to the main idea? (5b)
• How completely does each paragraph develop its topic? What details and methods of development are used? Are they effective? Do any paragraphs need more detail? (5c) What other methods of development might be used? (5d)
• Are paragraphs varied in length? Does any paragraph seem too long or too short? (Quick Help: Determining Paragraph Length)
• Is each paragraph organized in a way that is easy for readers to follow? Are sentences within each paragraph clearly linked? Do any of the transitional expressions try to create links between ideas that do not really exist? (5e and f)
• Are the paragraphs clearly linked? Do more links need to be added? (5f)
• How does the introductory paragraph catch readers’ interest—with a quotation? an anecdote? a question? a strong opinion? How else might it open? (5g)
• How does the last paragraph draw the essay to a conclusion? What lasting impression will it leave with readers? How else might it conclude? (5g)