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Appendix D

Qualities of a Good Paragraph

1. Format: The paragraph looks like a college-level writing assignment, and all the steps of the writing process are stapled neatly to the back.

2. The topic sentence is perfectly clear; it is at the beginning of the paragraph, and it

contains a single, provable (worth proving) claim.

3. The writer uses plenty of specific details and examples to prove, support, or illustrate the central idea.

4. Unity: Every detail helps the writer prove the main idea.

5. The writing is smooth because the writer uses linking words (transitions) to link

his or her ideas.

6. The paragraph is free from major errors such as sentence fragments, comma splice errors, and run-on sentences.

7. The writer uses a variety of sentences (such as compound and complex sentences)

8. Punctuation, mechanics, and spelling are correct.

9. The writer has eliminated unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences.

10. There is evidence that the writer took time to proofread carefully.