AboutElana Peled, Ed.D. Expertise I can answer questions related to the writing, formatting and development of academic papers, essays and dissertations, from selecting a topic and developing a thesis, to focusing a sentence and/or paragraph. I can also answer questions regarding syntax, grammar and punctuation. And I can answer questions regarding the role of creativity in academic writing as well as dealing with writer's block and procrastination.
Experience I have more than 20 years experience teaching academic writing to college students at every level. I have designed and taught courses on reading and writing for college freshman, both those who enter college ready to do college level work and those needing additional "catch-up" work. I've taught writing to students in master's programs and even designed a workbook to help students working on a master's thesis. I've worked in college writing centers helping students with papers for courses across the curriculum, and I've even coaching doctoral candidates through their dissertations, providing guidance for the process and direct feedback on their writing.
Organizations Owner, www.MyDissertationEditor.com
Education/Credentials *Ed.D., Human Development and Psychology with emphasis on Language and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School of Education
*Ed.M., Language and Literacy, Harvard Graduate School of Education
*M.A., English Composition, San Francisco State University
*Certificate in Teaching Post-Secondary Reading, SFSU
Question hi, how are you?
i was just wondering how long is too long for a paragraph?
my essay is supposed to be 8 pages in length, and so far i have three. i know that i am supposed to have 3 supporting arguments, but i have 3 points each to my arguments as well. my first body paragraph is about two pages, and for each body paragraph i was planning on writing a introduction, two or three points, and a conclusion. is it wrong to do this? my introduction sentence is more like an introduction paragraph. should i stick to one point? my paragraph looks so big, i was thinking of splitting it up each into more separate paragraphs but i didn't know if that was right. what is the right way to write a 8 page essay? should i have more supporting arguments and less points to my arguments?
Answer Hi Caitlyn,
Thanks for your questions.
To begin, there are no set-in-stone rules regarding the length of paragraphs. Remember that paragraphs serve a number of functions, the most important, perhaps, being to assist your reader by allowing her eyes to find a place to rest as they absorb your meaning. So, if a paragraph extends beyond an entire page, your reader is likely to get very tired while reading.
Paragraphs also help you to present your ideas and information in a well-organized manner. So it's worthwhile to make sure that each body paragraph has a single point (a good exercise is to tell yourself the purpose for each paragraph in a word or two, and then delete everything from the paragraph that is not relevant to the point of the paragraph).
In academic writing, paragraphs generally begin with a topic sentence, which states the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence is followed by supporting details. These details explain to your reader how you know this idea is valid or true. Or where you learned this idea.
Many paragraphs also contain a sentence or two that clarify the connection between the point of the paragraph and the thesis of the essay.
