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Developing your essay

Learn more about how to develop your essay: from brainstorming to organizing your writing

Writing an academic paragraph

This video will provide you with an introduction to writing an academic paragraph. While the video is playing, click "Menu" to navigate through the presentation or see the transcript. If you would like to return to specific sections of the video, please see below:

  1. Introduction (0:52)
  2. Purpose and Characteristics of an Academic Paragraph (2:28)
  3. Elements of an Academic Paragraph (0:25)
    1. Topic sentence with argument/claim (1:25)
    2. Critical thinking and how to demonstrate it (6:11)
    3. Research evidence (1:43)
    4. Analysis (1:18)
    5. Conclusion (0:43)
    6. Transition (1:40)
  4. Sample Paragraph (0:19)
  5. Final Thoughts on Paragraphing and Contact the Writing Centre (2:32)

Click on Writing an Academic Paragraph (PowerPoint) if you would like the slides from the video; the transcript is available via the slide notes.

More paragraphing resources

Topic sentences

Using research evidence

Transitional expressions