A paragraph should explain to the reader one complete thought. The sentences throughout the paragraph should build upon each other and stick to the main idea of the paragraph. Simply put, the first sentence of the paragraph will be built on and backed up by the sentences that follow it in the paragraph. When writing a paragraph, do not sway from one idea to the next. Stick to the main idea.
For a paragraph to be easy to read and follow, the sentences contained within a paragraph should be organized in a way that makes sense. The first sentence will open the paragraph and should be interesting so the reader will want to know more about the subject. The following sentences will explain more about the subject and expand on the first thought. Use common sense when organizing the sentences within a paragraph.
Purdue University notes that transition is a key element when it comes to a good paragraph. A transitioning sentence will assist a reader in going from one thought to a new thought. Generally, a transitioning sentence will be used at the end of a paragraph to elegantly lead the reader into a new thought when the next paragraph begins. They may also be used in the middle of a paragraph, but the following sentences should not sway far from the main topic of the paragraph.
A substantial paragraph should contain four to five sentences. To form a complete thought and develop an idea in detail, more than two to three sentences are needed. Giving an example of the main topic, implementing comparisons and citing data are ways to build on your topic sentence and further develop an idea.