General study guidance only. Always follow your university’s required structure and brief.
Start with a claim
Each paragraph should make one clear point that supports your overall argument. State that point in the first sentence, so the reader knows what the paragraph is doing.
Support it with evidence
Follow the claim with relevant, cited evidence. Choose sources that directly support the point, not sources that are only loosely related.
Explain the link
Explain how the evidence supports your claim and what it means for your argument. Without that explanation, evidence alone does not make an argument. End the paragraph by connecting back to your question or thesis where helpful.
For personal help, see Study Skills and Academic Resources.