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Paragraphing

Written texts are divided into paragraphs in order to make them easier to read. Breaks between paragraphs give the reader time to stop and think for a moment. By beginning a new paragraph, the writer may be indicating that a new or contrasting idea is being introduced (for example, in a report).

A new paragraph should be indicated by leaving a line between paragraphs,

e.g.
First paragraph xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Second paragraph xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

or by indenting the first line of each paragraph clearly

e.g.
      First paragraph xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

      Second paragraph xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Topic sentences
A topic sentence is the sentence in a paragraph which contains the main idea, from which the rest of the paragraph develops. The other sentences in the paragraph add details, explanation, contrast and build up the argument.