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ACADEMIC PARAGRAPHS

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How-To’s and Reminders

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WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC PARAGRAPH?

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An academic paragraph is a paragraph written for school or a formal setting. It has the following characteristics:

  • It sounds formal and authoritative.
    • No first-person language (I, me, us).
    • No hedging (I think, maybe, perhaps).
  • It uses evidence.
    • Every fact is backed up with a source.
    • Claims are based on facts.
  • It cites quality sources.
  • It is free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

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CITING SOURCES

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In this class, we cite sources within our sentences, rather than putting them in quotation marks after the quote.

YES:

  • “Quote,” according to journalist Bob Miller.
  • Journalist Bob Miller said, “Quote.”
  • According to the automotive research group AAA, “Quote.”
  • The automotive research group AAA explained that, “Quote.”

NO:

  • “Quote.” (Miller)
  • “Quote.” (Bob Miller)
  • “Quote.” (AAA)
  • “Quote,” according to Bob Miller. [You need to say who he is].
  • AAA said, “Quote.” [again, you need to say what AAA is.]

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PARAGRAPH EXAMPLES

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On the next two slides, you will see examples of strong academic paragraphs.

  • The first is an argumentative paragraph, meaning it’s designed to convince the reader of something.
  • The second is an explanatory paragraph, meaning it’s designed to inform.

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Each paragraph contains the following (highlighted):

  • An introductory sentence (topic sentence or claim).
  • Two pieces of evidence.
  • Explanation of EACH piece of evidence.
  • A concluding sentence.

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EXAMPLE - ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH

Project 1: All Men Created Equal

Lionel Messi is the best soccer player in the world. Last year, Messi pushed and led his team to win the World Cup, playing every single game and helping pay the team’s expenses. The Argentinian team might not have won without Messi’s leadership and financial support. This multilayered support system is unique to Messi’s nature as a soccer player. In addition to this, throughout his club career, he has scored 0.83 goals per game; according to Ben Stewart of PlanetFootball.com, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 0.72 goals per game. Both players are considered among the best, but Messi’s statistics are superior. All in all, Messi is clearly the best player in the world.

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EXAMPLE - EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPH

Project 1: All Men Created Equal

Lionel Messi’s natural tale. According to Biography.com, Messi was smaller than his friends in the Argentinian city where he was born. However, he was not intimidated by his bigger peers and he soon stood out for his soccer abilities. At age 13, Messi n addition to this, throughout his club career, he has scored 0.83 goals per game; according to Ben Stewart of PlanetFootball.com, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 0.72 goals per game. Both players are considered among the best, but Messi’s statistics are superior. All in all, Messi is clearly the best player in the world.

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CHECKLIST

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If your paragraph does not have EACH of the following items, it is not done. Don’t turn it in!

  • A topic sentence or claim.
  • Two pieces of evidence.
  • Sources cited for each piece of evidence.
  • Explanation of EACH piece of evidence.
  • A concluding sentence.