What Is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Every time you start writing about a new idea, you begin a new paragraph. Well-structured paragraphs make your writing clear and easy to read.

Why do paragraphs matter?

• They organise your ideas so the reader can follow along easily.
• They separate different ideas so nothing gets muddled up.
• They make your writing look neat and professional.

A paragraph usually has 3–6 sentences. You start a new paragraph by pressing Enter/Return and indenting the first line, or leaving a blank line between paragraphs.

The TEEL Framework

TEEL is a helpful way to remember the four parts of a great paragraph. Think of it as a recipe for a perfect paragraph!

T

Topic Sentence

The first sentence — it tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Example: "Dogs make wonderful pets for many reasons."

E

Evidence

Give a fact, example, or reason that supports your topic sentence.

Example: "For instance, dogs are loyal animals that always stay by their owner's side."

E

Explanation

Explain how or why your evidence proves the topic sentence.

Example: "This means that dogs provide companionship and make people feel less lonely."

L

Link

Connect back to the main idea or lead into the next paragraph.

Example: "Clearly, the loyalty of dogs is just one reason why they are such great pets."

Worked Examples

Example 1 — Topic: Why reading is important

T — Reading is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop.

E — Research shows that children who read for at least 20 minutes a day have a much larger vocabulary than those who do not.

E — This is because reading exposes children to thousands of new words in context, helping them understand and use language more effectively.

L — In this way, reading daily builds a strong foundation for success in all school subjects.

Example 2 — Topic: Exercise is good for you

T — Regular exercise is essential for keeping our bodies healthy and strong.

E — For example, children who exercise regularly have stronger muscles and better concentration in class.

E — This happens because physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with focus and memory.

L — Therefore, making time for exercise every day benefits both the body and the mind.

Example 3 — Topic: Healthy eating

T — Eating a healthy diet gives children the energy they need to learn and play.

E — Foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains provide vitamins and minerals that the body and brain need to work well.

E — When children eat nutritious meals, they feel more alert and can concentrate better throughout the school day.

L — Clearly, healthy eating plays an important role in how well children perform at school.

Key Vocabulary

Topic Sentence

The opening sentence of a paragraph that tells the reader what the whole paragraph is about.

Evidence

A fact, example, or reason that supports and proves the main idea of the paragraph.

Explanation

Sentences that describe how or why the evidence proves the topic sentence.

Link

A concluding sentence that ties the paragraph back to the main argument or leads into the next paragraph.

Knowledge Check

Test your knowledge of paragraph structure. Choose the best answer for each question.

Question 1

What does the T in TEEL stand for?

Topic sentence Title Thought Text

Question 2

Which sentence would work best as a topic sentence?

"Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves." "Australia is home to many unique animals." "For example, the platypus lays eggs." "In conclusion, Australia has amazing wildlife."

Question 3

In the TEEL framework, what is the purpose of the Explanation sentence?

To introduce a new paragraph To tell the reader what the paragraph is about To explain how or why the evidence proves the topic sentence To give a fact or example

Question 4

Read this sentence: "For instance, students who sleep 9 hours a night score better in tests." Which TEEL part is this?

Topic sentence Link Explanation Evidence

Question 5

Which phrase would work best to start a Link sentence?

"Clearly, this shows that..." "This means that..." "For example..." "There are many reasons..."

Paragraph Structure