essay vs a paragraph

10 Differences Between essay and paragraph

What is the difference between an essay and a paragraph, introduction:.

An essay and a paragraph are both forms of written communication. While they share similarities, there are also key differences that distinguish one from the other. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, uses, and examples of essays and paragraphs, highlighting their differences in specific areas.

What is an Essay?

An essay is a written composition that presents a focused argument or analysis on a particular topic. It is typically longer than a paragraph and provides a comprehensive exploration of a subject. Essays are commonly used in academic settings to evaluate students’ understanding and critical thinking skills.

Examples of Essays:

A persuasive essay arguing for stricter gun control laws
An expository essay explaining the process of photosynthesis
A narrative essay recounting a personal travel experience

Uses of Essays:

Essays serve various purposes including:

Educational assessment
Expressing viewpoints or arguments
Providing in-depth analysis
Exploring creative ideas

What is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences that discuss a single idea or topic. It is a shorter unit of writing compared to an essay and is often used within essays as building blocks to provide structure and coherence.

Examples of Paragraphs:

A paragraph explaining the benefits of regular exercise
A paragraph describing the characteristics of a good leader
A paragraph outlining the steps to bake a cake

Uses of Paragraphs:

Paragraphs serve various purposes within a written piece:

Organizing ideas and information
Providing supporting details
Transitioning between different topics
Offering concise explanations or examples

Differences Between Essays and Paragraphs:

Conclusion:.

In summary, essays and paragraphs are both important forms of written communication but differ in various aspects. Essays are longer, more comprehensive, and deal with a specific topic in-depth, while paragraphs are shorter and focus on discussing a single idea. Essays have a more complex structure and purpose, while paragraphs are building blocks within essays or other written works.

Related Differences:

You must be logged in to post a comment.

content of this page is protected

The Similarities and Differences Between a Paragraph and an Essay

Oubria tronshaw.

The relationship between a paragraph and an essay is symbiotic; you can't write an essay without using paragraphs, and four or more consecutive paragraphs about the same subject matter become an essay. Both paragraphs and essays have a distinct beginning, middle and end. They're also both composed of five sections: A paragraph typically has five sentences, and an essay, five paragraphs.

Explore this article

Topic Sentence
Supporting Details

1 Topic Sentence

Both paragraphs and essays begin with a topic sentence, or a thesis statement, that explains to the reader what the paragraph, or essay, is about. A thesis statement for an essay is longer and more detailed than the topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph. For example, a thesis statement for an essay might be: "The gravity of marriage becomes more apparent over time; newlyweds imagine a glamorous life ahead and cannot yet imagine the test their love will endure, while couples married for a decade or more are beginning to understand the depth of their promise." A topic sentence for a paragraph might simply be: "A lasting marriage requires many levels of compromise."

2 Supporting Details

Paragraphs and essays both require supporting details that elaborate on the statements made in the topic sentence or thesis statement. In a paragraph, each subsequent sentence builds upon the point made in the topic sentence; in an essay, the first sentence in each paragraph discusses points made in the thesis statement. In a paragraph, the sentences following the topic sentence are called "supporting details." In an essay, the paragraphs following the thesis statement are called "supporting paragraphs." Each supporting paragraph has its own supporting details.

Paragraphs and essays differ in their length. Paragraphs are typically between five and six sentences long. They're composed of a topic sentence and four or five supporting details. Essays contain at least five paragraphs; they're composed of an introductory paragraph (which includes the thesis statement), at least three supporting paragraphs and a conclusion paragraph.

4 Conclusion

Both paragraphs and essays must end with a conclusion, but the type of conclusion differs. Paragraphs must end with a concluding sentence that states the basic point of the paragraph. It should not rephrase or reiterate the topic sentence. Essays end with a conclusion paragraph that summarizes the content of the essay and reiterates the thesis statement with different phrasing. The conclusion paragraph usually revisits the points introduced in the supporting paragraphs to prove to the reader that, from the writer's point of view, the thesis statement was correct.

About the Author

Oubria Tronshaw specializes in topics related to parenting and business. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chicago State University. She currently teaches English at Harper Community College in the Chicago area.

Difference Between Topic Sentence Vs. Thesis Statement

How to Write Book Titles in an Essay

The Difference Between Argumentative & Narrative Paragraphs

How to Interpret a CAHSEE Score

What Is a Narrative Response?

Steps for Going From Writing a Paragraph to Writing...

How Long is the AP Psych Exam?

Cute Things to Wear With Wedge Heels

What Charge Does a Gamma Ray Have?

Teachers' Assessment Tools

Is There an Essay Required for Admission to Clark Atlanta...

Three Types of History Sources

The Best Styling Products to Get a Short Messy Hair...

Paragraph Writing Skills for Beginners

10 Facts About the 13th Amendment

Does Infatuation Turn to Falling in Love?

Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer in Florida

What Is an Explicit Topic Sentence?

How to Write a Topic Summary for an Essay

What Is the Narrative Argument of "The Jilting of Granny...

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Accessibility
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Manage Preferences

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What this handout is about

This handout will help you understand how paragraphs are formed, how to develop stronger paragraphs, and how to completely and clearly express your ideas.

What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a paragraph. A paragraph is defined as “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116). Length and appearance do not determine whether a section in a paper is a paragraph. For instance, in some styles of writing, particularly journalistic styles, a paragraph can be just one sentence long. Ultimately, a paragraph is a sentence or group of sentences that support one main idea. In this handout, we will refer to this as the “controlling idea,” because it controls what happens in the rest of the paragraph.

How do I decide what to put in a paragraph?

Before you can begin to determine what the composition of a particular paragraph will be, you must first decide on an argument and a working thesis statement for your paper. What is the most important idea that you are trying to convey to your reader? The information in each paragraph must be related to that idea. In other words, your paragraphs should remind your reader that there is a recurrent relationship between your thesis and the information in each paragraph. A working thesis functions like a seed from which your paper, and your ideas, will grow. The whole process is an organic one—a natural progression from a seed to a full-blown paper where there are direct, familial relationships between all of the ideas in the paper.

The decision about what to put into your paragraphs begins with the germination of a seed of ideas; this “germination process” is better known as brainstorming . There are many techniques for brainstorming; whichever one you choose, this stage of paragraph development cannot be skipped. Building paragraphs can be like building a skyscraper: there must be a well-planned foundation that supports what you are building. Any cracks, inconsistencies, or other corruptions of the foundation can cause your whole paper to crumble.

So, let’s suppose that you have done some brainstorming to develop your thesis. What else should you keep in mind as you begin to create paragraphs? Every paragraph in a paper should be :

Unified : All of the sentences in a single paragraph should be related to a single controlling idea (often expressed in the topic sentence of the paragraph).
Clearly related to the thesis : The sentences should all refer to the central idea, or thesis, of the paper (Rosen and Behrens 119).
Coherent : The sentences should be arranged in a logical manner and should follow a definite plan for development (Rosen and Behrens 119).
Well-developed : Every idea discussed in the paragraph should be adequately explained and supported through evidence and details that work together to explain the paragraph’s controlling idea (Rosen and Behrens 119).

How do I organize a paragraph?

There are many different ways to organize a paragraph. The organization you choose will depend on the controlling idea of the paragraph. Below are a few possibilities for organization, with links to brief examples:

Narration : Tell a story. Go chronologically, from start to finish. ( See an example. )
Description : Provide specific details about what something looks, smells, tastes, sounds, or feels like. Organize spatially, in order of appearance, or by topic. ( See an example. )
Process : Explain how something works, step by step. Perhaps follow a sequence—first, second, third. ( See an example. )
Classification : Separate into groups or explain the various parts of a topic. ( See an example. )
Illustration : Give examples and explain how those examples support your point. (See an example in the 5-step process below.)

Illustration paragraph: a 5-step example

From the list above, let’s choose “illustration” as our rhetorical purpose. We’ll walk through a 5-step process for building a paragraph that illustrates a point in an argument. For each step there is an explanation and example. Our example paragraph will be about human misconceptions of piranhas.

Step 1. Decide on a controlling idea and create a topic sentence

Paragraph development begins with the formulation of the controlling idea. This idea directs the paragraph’s development. Often, the controlling idea of a paragraph will appear in the form of a topic sentence. In some cases, you may need more than one sentence to express a paragraph’s controlling idea.

Controlling idea and topic sentence — Despite the fact that piranhas are relatively harmless, many people continue to believe the pervasive myth that piranhas are dangerous to humans.

Step 2. Elaborate on the controlling idea

Paragraph development continues with an elaboration on the controlling idea, perhaps with an explanation, implication, or statement about significance. Our example offers a possible explanation for the pervasiveness of the myth.

Elaboration — This impression of piranhas is exacerbated by their mischaracterization in popular media.

Step 3. Give an example (or multiple examples)

Paragraph development progresses with an example (or more) that illustrates the claims made in the previous sentences.

Example — For example, the promotional poster for the 1978 horror film Piranha features an oversized piranha poised to bite the leg of an unsuspecting woman.

Step 4. Explain the example(s)

The next movement in paragraph development is an explanation of each example and its relevance to the topic sentence. The explanation should demonstrate the value of the example as evidence to support the major claim, or focus, in your paragraph.

Continue the pattern of giving examples and explaining them until all points/examples that the writer deems necessary have been made and explained. NONE of your examples should be left unexplained. You might be able to explain the relationship between the example and the topic sentence in the same sentence which introduced the example. More often, however, you will need to explain that relationship in a separate sentence.

Explanation for example — Such a terrifying representation easily captures the imagination and promotes unnecessary fear.

Notice that the example and explanation steps of this 5-step process (steps 3 and 4) can be repeated as needed. The idea is that you continue to use this pattern until you have completely developed the main idea of the paragraph.

Step 5. Complete the paragraph’s idea or transition into the next paragraph

The final movement in paragraph development involves tying up the loose ends of the paragraph. At this point, you can remind your reader about the relevance of the information to the larger paper, or you can make a concluding point for this example. You might, however, simply transition to the next paragraph.

Sentences for completing a paragraph — While the trope of the man-eating piranhas lends excitement to the adventure stories, it bears little resemblance to the real-life piranha. By paying more attention to fact than fiction, humans may finally be able to let go of this inaccurate belief.

Finished paragraph

Despite the fact that piranhas are relatively harmless, many people continue to believe the pervasive myth that piranhas are dangerous to humans. This impression of piranhas is exacerbated by their mischaracterization in popular media. For example, the promotional poster for the 1978 horror film Piranha features an oversized piranha poised to bite the leg of an unsuspecting woman. Such a terrifying representation easily captures the imagination and promotes unnecessary fear. While the trope of the man-eating piranhas lends excitement to the adventure stories, it bears little resemblance to the real-life piranha. By paying more attention to fact than fiction, humans may finally be able to let go of this inaccurate belief.

Troubleshooting paragraphs

Problem: the paragraph has no topic sentence.

Imagine each paragraph as a sandwich. The real content of the sandwich—the meat or other filling—is in the middle. It includes all the evidence you need to make the point. But it gets kind of messy to eat a sandwich without any bread. Your readers don’t know what to do with all the evidence you’ve given them. So, the top slice of bread (the first sentence of the paragraph) explains the topic (or controlling idea) of the paragraph. And, the bottom slice (the last sentence of the paragraph) tells the reader how the paragraph relates to the broader argument. In the original and revised paragraphs below, notice how a topic sentence expressing the controlling idea tells the reader the point of all the evidence.

Original paragraph

Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Revised paragraph

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Once you have mastered the use of topic sentences, you may decide that the topic sentence for a particular paragraph really shouldn’t be the first sentence of the paragraph. This is fine—the topic sentence can actually go at the beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph; what’s important is that it is in there somewhere so that readers know what the main idea of the paragraph is and how it relates back to the thesis of your paper. Suppose that we wanted to start the piranha paragraph with a transition sentence—something that reminds the reader of what happened in the previous paragraph—rather than with the topic sentence. Let’s suppose that the previous paragraph was about all kinds of animals that people are afraid of, like sharks, snakes, and spiders. Our paragraph might look like this (the topic sentence is bold):

Like sharks, snakes, and spiders, piranhas are widely feared. Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless . Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. If the fish are well-fed, they won’t bite humans.

Problem: the paragraph has more than one controlling idea

If a paragraph has more than one main idea, consider eliminating sentences that relate to the second idea, or split the paragraph into two or more paragraphs, each with only one main idea. Watch our short video on reverse outlining to learn a quick way to test whether your paragraphs are unified. In the following paragraph, the final two sentences branch off into a different topic; so, the revised paragraph eliminates them and concludes with a sentence that reminds the reader of the paragraph’s main idea.

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, for the most part, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ first instinct is to flee, not attack. Their fear of humans makes sense. Far more piranhas are eaten by people than people are eaten by piranhas. A number of South American groups eat piranhas. They fry or grill the fish and then serve them with coconut milk or tucupi, a sauce made from fermented manioc juices.

Problem: transitions are needed within the paragraph

You are probably familiar with the idea that transitions may be needed between paragraphs or sections in a paper (see our handout on transitions ). Sometimes they are also helpful within the body of a single paragraph. Within a paragraph, transitions are often single words or short phrases that help to establish relationships between ideas and to create a logical progression of those ideas in a paragraph. This is especially likely to be true within paragraphs that discuss multiple examples. Let’s take a look at a version of our piranha paragraph that uses transitions to orient the reader:

Although most people consider piranhas to be quite dangerous, they are, except in two main situations, entirely harmless. Piranhas rarely feed on large animals; they eat smaller fish and aquatic plants. When confronted with humans, piranhas’ instinct is to flee, not attack. But there are two situations in which a piranha bite is likely. The first is when a frightened piranha is lifted out of the water—for example, if it has been caught in a fishing net. The second is when the water level in pools where piranhas are living falls too low. A large number of fish may be trapped in a single pool, and if they are hungry, they may attack anything that enters the water.

In this example, you can see how the phrases “the first” and “the second” help the reader follow the organization of the ideas in the paragraph.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Lunsford, Andrea. 2008. The St. Martin’s Handbook: Annotated Instructor’s Edition , 6th ed. New York: St. Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

Chart your future IT career with AI at Cambridge

This expert advice article aims to clarify the fundamental difference between essay and paragraph, helping readers to understand their unique characteristics and proper usage in academic writing. By exploring their structures, purposes and examples, we can highlight why a paragraph and an essay are not the same.

Paragraph vs essay: unraveling the difference.

Key Takeaways Shortly

A paragraph is a unit of writing that focuses on a specific idea or point, and has a defined structure and purpose in academic writing.
An essay is a more complex form of academic writing, with a broader scope and a more detailed structure than a paragraph.
The difference between a paragraph and an essay lies in their purpose, structure, and scope. They are not interchangeable in academic writing.
Writing effective paragraphs requires clarity, conciseness, and cohesion to convey the intended message effectively.
Mastering essay writing involves careful planning, structuring, and refining to ensure it meets academic standards.

Welcome to this enlightening journey where we will explore the key differences between a paragraph and an essay. You know, it’s a common mistake to think that these two are the same. But, let me tell you, they are not. They are as distinct as apples and oranges. This article will serve as your guide, offering expert advice on this topic. We will discuss the specific characteristics of both paragraphs and essays and why they are not interchangeable. This interesting exploration will provide you with a clearer understanding, so stay with us. It’s going to be a fun ride, I promise. Buckle up!

Understanding the Nature of Paragraphs

Let’s talk paragraphs. They’re not as simple as they may first appear. In a nutshell, a paragraph is a group of sentences that focus on one main idea. It’s like a mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end.

But here’s a cool fact: according to a study from the University of Nevada, a paragraph can consist of just one sentence or even one word! This goes against what many of us learned in school, but it’s part of what makes writing an art, not just a science.

So, a paragraph is not just a cluster of sentences. It’s a unit of thought, delivering one point or argument. In essays, these points build upon each other to support a central thesis. But not every paragraph belongs to an essay, and that’s what makes the difference between essay and paragraph so significant.

Oh, and before we forget, don’t overlook the power of a well-crafted paragraph. Even if it’s standing alone, it can tell a powerful story!

The Key Elements that Distinguish a Paragraph from an Essay

Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of our discussion: the key elements that create the difference between essay and paragraph.

Firstly, a paragraph is, well, just a single block of text. It’s like a single slice of bread. It’s a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. A paragraph will usually contain a single main idea and revolve around that point.

On the other hand, an essay is more like a whole sandwich. It’s a short piece of writing on a particular subject, and it’s made up of many paragraphs. An essay will have a clear structure, including an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

In essence, a paragraph is a component of an essay. It’s one part of the whole. But an essay? Well, it’s the whole enchilada. It’s a comprehensive argument or discourse about a topic.

And yes, while a paragraph can stand alone as a complete piece, an essay is a connected series of paragraphs that work together to explore a topic in depth. So, you see, while they are related, they are not the same thing. Not by a long shot.

And hey, just because an essay is longer doesn’t mean it’s harder or more important. It’s just different, you know? Each has its own role to play in the world of writing. So, keep this in mind next time you’re writing, okay?

How Do Essays Encourage Detailed Exploration?

An essay, unlike a paragraph, is like a journey through a topic. It’s not a quick stop, but more like a thorough exploration. You know, like going on a road trip rather than just a quick drive around the block.

An essay allows, or rather demands, more in-depth analysis. It’s like a detective piecing together clues. There’s a clear beginning, middle, and end. The writer starts by introducing the topic, discussing it in detail, and then wrapping it up nicely.

An essay also gives room for the writer’s voice to shine through. This isn’t just about facts and figures, it’s about painting a picture with words. It’s like telling a story, and the writer is the narrator. This space for creativity and personal touch is what makes essays stand out.

You see, in an essay, each paragraph is like a piece of a puzzle. Each one adds a new piece of information, a new perspective, or a new argument to the overall picture. So, in a way, an essay is made up of many ‘mini paragraphs’, each serving its own purpose.

So, it’s clear as day, ain’t it? Essays are not the same as paragraphs. They’re more complex, more detailed, and more personal. They’re not just about conveying information, they’re about exploring a topic in depth. They’re about starting a conversation, not just stating facts. And that, my friend, is the real beauty of an essay.

Wrapping Up: The Essay vs Paragraph Showdown

Looking back at our exploration of the difference between an essay and a paragraph, it’s clear that these two forms of writing, while closely related, have distinctive characteristics that set them apart.

A paragraph is a smaller piece, focusing on a single idea or topic. It’s like a building block, the first step in constructing a larger piece. On the other hand, an essay is a more complex structure. It’s made up of various paragraphs, each contributing to the overall argument or narrative. Just like a house is built from bricks, an essay is built from paragraphs.

Isn’t it fascinating how the same words and sentences can take on such different roles depending on how we use them? It’s like a magic trick, you see? The words are our tools, and we, the writers, are the magicians.

So, next time you’re tasked with writing an essay or a paragraph, remember this simple difference. Take a moment to plan out your work. If it’s a paragraph, focus on one single idea. If it’s an essay, think about how you can arrange several ideas to create a coherent and convincing argument.

Now, isn’t it about time you tried it out for yourself? Why not pick up a pen, or open up your laptop, and start practicing? Who knows, you might just end up surprising yourself with your own writing skills. And hey, don’t forget to have some fun along the way. After all, writing is not just about following rules, it’s about expressing yourself and sharing your thoughts with the world. So, go ahead and add your own splash of creativity. It’s your turn now, my fellow writer. Happy writing!

What is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a distinct section of a piece of writing, typically dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering. It usually contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. The purpose of a paragraph is to express a single idea or concept related to the overall topic of the text. Examples can range from descriptive paragraphs in a novel to explanatory paragraphs in an academic paper. In broader academic writing, a paragraph serves as an essential building block in constructing a more complex argument or narrative.

What Makes an Essay?

An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a perspective on a particular topic. It is typically composed of multiple paragraphs, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these paragraphs serves a specific function within the overall essay. Unlike a paragraph, an essay is a more complex and comprehensive piece of writing that explores a topic in depth. Examples can range from persuasive essays to research papers.

Why is a Paragraph Not an Essay?

While both a paragraph and an essay serve to convey ideas and arguments, they differ significantly in their purpose, structure, and scope. A paragraph is a single unit of thought within a larger piece of writing, while an essay is a complete piece of writing on its own. The purpose of a paragraph is to present a single point or idea, whereas an essay aims to explore a topic in depth, often presenting multiple points or arguments. The structure of a paragraph is simpler, typically containing a topic sentence and supporting sentences, while an essay has a more complex structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How to Write Effective Paragraphs?

Writing effective paragraphs involves clear planning and organization. Begin with a strong topic sentence that clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. Follow this with supporting sentences that expand on the topic sentence with details, examples, or evidence. Finally, conclude the paragraph with a sentence that summarises the main idea and provides a transition to the next paragraph. Ensure that each sentence in the paragraph contributes to the overall idea and that the paragraph maintains a consistent focus.

Mastering Essay Writing: Some Useful Tips

Mastering essay writing requires practice and a clear understanding of the structure and purpose of an essay. Begin by planning your essay, outlining the main points you want to make and the evidence you will use to support them. Write an engaging introduction that clearly states your thesis or main argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point or argument, supported by evidence. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. Always remember to revise and edit your essay to ensure it is clear, concise, and free of errors.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Engage with pure learning, not with assessments.
Interact directly with Cambridge PhDs.
Understand AI's real-world impact.
Add Cambridge prestige to your university application.

No comments yet.

See Other Posts

See Recent Posts

Search Your Best Result

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

On Paragraphs

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. Learning to write good paragraphs will help you as a writer stay on track during your drafting and revision stages. Good paragraphing also greatly assists your readers in following a piece of writing. You can have fantastic ideas, but if those ideas aren't presented in an organized fashion, you will lose your readers (and fail to achieve your goals in writing).

The Basic Rule: Keep one idea to one paragraph

The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. You can have one idea and several bits of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the paragraph. If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the route to go.

Elements of a paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: Unity, Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development. As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.

The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.

Logical bridges

The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence
Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form

Verbal bridges

Key words can be repeated in several sentences
Synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences
Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences
Transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences

A topic sentence

A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with. Although not all paragraphs have clear-cut topic sentences, and despite the fact that topic sentences can occur anywhere in the paragraph (as the first sentence, the last sentence, or somewhere in the middle), an easy way to make sure your reader understands the topic of the paragraph is to put your topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph. (This is a good general rule for less experienced writers, although it is not the only way to do it). Regardless of whether you include an explicit topic sentence or not, you should be able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.

Adequate development

The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should be wary of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.

Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:

Use examples and illustrations
Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
Use an anecdote or story
Define terms in the paragraph
Compare and contrast
Evaluate causes and reasons
Examine effects and consequences
Analyze the topic
Describe the topic
Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)

How do I know when to start a new paragraph?

You should start a new paragraph when:

When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
When your readers need a pause. Breaks between paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing be more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex.
When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Transitions and signposts

Two very important elements of paragraphing are signposts and transitions. Signposts are internal aids to assist readers; they usually consist of several sentences or a paragraph outlining what the article has covered and where the article will be going.

Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next.

Enjoy this post? Rate it!

Paragraph and essay are not the same; here’s why

Students often get confused between paragraphs and essays. however, although they share a few similarities, the differences are far more significant. this makes it even more crucial for you to understand the differences well, especially if you are to give an english language test like ielts or toefl. moreover, understanding the main differences will help you answer the questions better., table of contents, let’s understand the difference between a paragraph and an essay. .

What makes a good paragraph and essay?

Key takeaways

The difference between a paragraph and an essay is far too significant to get confused. Yes, both indeed share many similarities. This makes it easy for one to get confused when comparing the two. However, you must understand the difference between an essay and a paragraph to avoid getting mixed up.

Understanding the differences will be especially handy if you plan to attempt any English language exam like IELTS or TOEFL. They often include questions related to both a paragraph and an essay. If you understand the difference between paragraph and essay, you are better equipped to provide efficient responses.

We have highlighted the following key difference between a paragraph and an essay –

A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme, but that is about it.

On the other hand, an essay will include 4 to 6 paragraphs. The main idea will be discussed throughout these paragraphs. Since the word limit is higher, it takes more time to think about the topic and provide appropriate responses.

Due to how limited the wordings are, the main point of the topic or theme is generally explained within the first two sentences. The supporting information, as well as the concluding sentence, is included in the last few lines. The standard structure of the essay is where an individual uses the first paragraph to introduce the topic. The following two or three paragraphs provide supporting information (including examples), and the last paragraph provides any concluding sentences.

The paragraph and essay make good points. They follow entirely different structures to serve their respective purposes. If you wish to talk about a topic in length, the best way to go about it is by writing an essay. However, a paragraph should suffice if you want to discuss a topic briefly. The essay addresses the topic from a broad perspective. In contrast, a paragraph will concisely explain the same topic.

A good paragraph uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point. The paragraph is generally limited to a single topic, which should follow a decent structure. A good essay will consist of the main statement that is then expanded and explained clearly and smoothly.

Interestingly, if you wish to write a good essay, you have to get better at forming a paragraph. Straightforward and well-structured paragraphs will help you write good essays. In addition, your thoughts should be clearly communicated in each paragraph.

Understanding the differences will be especially handy if you plan to attempt any English language exam like IELTS or TOEFL.
A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme. On the other hand, an essay will include 4 to 6 paragraphs. The main idea will be discussed throughout these paragraphs.
Interestingly, if you wish to write a good essay, you have to get better at forming a paragraph. Straightforward and well-structured paragraphs will help you write good essays.
What is the difference between a paragraph and an essay?

The difference between a paragraph and an essay is that a paragraph consists of 4-6 sentences while an essay consists of 4-6 paragraphs.

What is required to write a good essay?

You need to be able to form a good paragraph to write a good essay.

A good paragraph and essay is the kind that uses simple and brief sentences to explain the point.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4 / 5. Vote count: 25

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

People also liked

IELTS success| Tips to master each section

Importance of IELTS grammar | Tips and tricks

TOEFL and IELTS | Role of contextual & academic words

Simulated tests | Opportunity to overcome challenges

TOEFL, IELTS, & GRE exam structure | Key differences 2024!

Ace the GMAT exam | Navigate quant & verbal difficulties!

Start your journey with iSchoolPrep

Need help with your Test Preparations? Contact Us for more details

Inquire Now

Get e-books, expert guidance, live classes and more....

Top Streams

Data Science Courses in USA
Business Analytics Courses in USA
Engineering Courses in USA
Tax Courses in USA
Healthcare Courses in USA
Language Courses in USA
Insurance Courses in USA
Digital Marketing Courses in USA

Top Specialization

Masters in Data Analytics in USA
Masters in Mechanical Engineering in USA
Masters in Supply Chain Management in USA
Masters in Computer Science in USA
MBA in Finance in USA
Masters in Architecture in USA

Top Universities

Cornell University
Yale University
Princeton University
University of California Los Angeles
University of Harvard
Stanford University
Arizona State University
Northeastern University
Project Management Courses in Australia
Accounting Courses in Australia
Medical Courses in Australia
Psychology Courses in Australia
Interior Designing Courses in Australia
Pharmacy Courses in Australia
Social Work Courses in Australia
MBA in Australia
Masters in Education in Australia
Masters in Pharmacy in Australia
Masters in Information Technology in Australia
BBA in Australia
Masters in Teaching in Australia
Masters in Psychology in Australia
University of Melbourne
Deakin University
Carnegie Mellon University
Monash University
University of Sydney
University of Queensland
RMIT University
Macquarie University
Data Science Courses in Canada
Business Management Courses in Canada
Supply Chain Management Courses in Canada
Project Management Courses in Canada
Business Analytics Courses in Canada
Hotel Management Courses in Canada
MBA in Canada
MS in Canada
Masters in Computer Science in Canada
Masters in Management in Canada
Masters in Psychology in Canada
Masters in Education in Canada
MBA in Finance in Canada
Masters in Business Analytics in Canada
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
McGill University
University of Alberta
York University
University of Calgary
Algoma University
University Canada West
Project Management Courses in UK
Data Science Courses in UK
Public Health Courses in UK
Digital Marketing Courses in UK
Hotel Management Courses in UK
Nursing Courses in UK
Medicine Courses in UK
Interior Designing Courses in UK
Masters in Computer Science in UK
Masters in Psychology in UK
MBA in Finance in UK
MBA in Healthcare Management in UK
Masters in Education in UK
Masters in Marketing in UK
MBA in HR in UK
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Coventry University
University of East London
University of Hertfordshire
University of Birmingham
Imperial College London
University of Glasgow

Top Resources

Universities in Germany
Study in Germany
Masters in Germany
Courses in Germany
Bachelors in Germany
Germany Job Seeker Visa
Cost of Living in Germany
Best Universities in Germany

Top Courses

Masters in Data Science in Germany
MS in Computer Science in Germany
Marine Engineering in Germany
MS Courses in Germany
Masters in Psychology in Germany
Hotel Management Courses in Germany
Masters in Economics in Germany
Paramedical Courses in Germany
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
University of Bonn
University of Freiburg
University of Hamburg
University of Stuttgart
Saarland University
Mannheim University
MBA in Ireland
Phd in Ireland
Masters in Computer Science Ireland
Cyber Security in Ireland
Masters in Data Analytics Ireland
Ms in Data Science in Ireland
Pharmacy courses in ireland
Business Analytics Course in Ireland
Universities in Ireland
Study in Ireland
Masters in Ireland
Courses in Ireland
Bachelors in Ireland
Cost of Living in Ireland
Ireland Student Visa
Part Time Jobs in Ireland
Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin
Dublin City University
University of Limerick
Dublin Business School
Maynooth University
University College Cork
National College of Ireland

Colleges & Courses

Masters in France
Phd in France
Study Medicine in France
Best Universities in Frankfurt
Best Architecture Colleges in France
ESIGELEC France
Study in France for Indian Students
Intakes in France
SOP for France Visa
Study in France from India
Reasons to Study in France
How to Settle in France

More About France

Cost of Living in France
France Study Visa
Cost of Living in Frankfurt
France Scholarship for Indian Students
Part Time Jobs in France
Stay Back in France After Masters

About Finland

Universities in Finland
Study in Finland
Courses in Finland
Bachelor Courses in Finland
Masters Courses in Finland
Cost of Living in Finland
MS in Finland
Average Fees in Finland Universities
PhD in Finland
Bachelor Degree in Medicine & Surgery
MBBS Courses in Georgia
MBBS Courses in Russia
Alte University
Caucasus University
Georgian National University SEU
David Tvildiani Medical University
Caspian International School Of Medicine
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
Cremeia Federal University
Bashkir State Medical University
Kursk State Medical University
Andijan State Medical Institute
IELTS Syllabus
IELTS Prepration
IELTS Eligibility
IELTS Test Format
IELTS Band Descriptors
IELTS Speaking test
IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS score validity
IELTS Cue Card

IELTS Reading Answers Sample

Animal Camouflage
Types Of Societies
Australia Convict Colonies
A Spark A Flint
Emigration To The Us
The History Of Salt
Zoo Conservation Programmes
The Robots Are Coming
The Development Of Plastic

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample

Describe A Puzzle You Have Played
Describe A Long Walk You Ever Had
Describe Your Favourite Movie
Describe A Difficult Thing You did
Describe A Businessman You Admire
Memorable Day in My Life
Describe Your Dream House
Describe A Bag You Want to Own
Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
Aquatic Animal

IELTS Essay Sample Sample

Best Education System
IELTS Opinion Essay
Agree or Disagree Essay
Problem Solution Essays
Essay on Space Exploration
Essay On Historical Places
Essay Writing Samples
Tourism Essay
Global Warming Essay
GRE Exam Fees
GRE Exam Syllabus
GRE Exam Eligibility
Sections in GRE Exam
GRE Exam Benefits
GRE Exam Results
GRE Cutoff for US Universities
GRE Preparation
Send GRE scores to Universities

GRE Exam Study Material

GRE Verbal Preparation
GRE Study Material
GRE AWA Essays
GRE Sample Issue Essays
Stanford University GRE Cutoff
Harvard University GRE Cutoff
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
GRE Verbal Reasoning
GRE Reading Comprehension
Prepare for GRE in 2 months

Other Resources

Documents Required For Gre Exam
GRE Exam Duration
GRE at Home
GRE vs GMAT
Improve GRE Verbal Scores

Free GRE Ebooks

GRE Preparation Guide (Free PDF)
GRE Syllabus (Free PDF)
GMAT Eligibility
GMAT Syllabus
GMAT Exam Dates
GMAT Registration
GMAT Exam Fees
GMAT Sections
GMAT Purpose

GMAT Exam Study Material

How to prepare for GMAT?
GMAT Score Validity
GMAT Preparation Books
GMAT Preparation
GMAT Exam Duration
GMAT Score for Harvard
GMAT Reading Comprehension
GMAT Retake Strategy

Free GMAT Ebooks

GMAT Guide PDF
Download GMAT Syllabus PDF
TOEFL Exam Registration
TOEFL Exam Eligibility
TOEFL Exam Pattern
TOEFL Exam Preparation
TOEFL Exam Tips
TOEFL Exam Dates
Documents for TOEFL Exam
TOEFL Exam Fee

TOEFL Exam Study Material

TOEFL Preparation Books
TOEFL Speaking Section
TOEFL Score and Results
TOEFL Writing Section
TOEFL Reading Section
TOEFL Listening Section
TOEFL Vocabulary
Types of Essays in TOEFL

Free TOEFL Ebooks

TOEFL Exam Guide (Free PDF)
PTE Exam Dates
PTE Exam Syllabus
PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria
PTE Test Centers in India
PTE Exam Pattern
PTE Exam Fees
PTE Exam Duration
PTE Exam Registration

PTE Exam Study Material

PTE Exam Preparation
PTE Speaking Test
PTE Reading Test
PTE Listening Test
PTE Writing Test
PTE Essay Writing
PTE exam for Australia

Free PTE Ebooks

PTE Syllabus (Free PDF)
Duolingo Exam
Duolingo Test Eligibility
Duolingo Exam Pattern
Duolingo Exam Fees
Duolingo Test Validity
Duolingo Syllabus
Duolingo Preparation

Duolingo Exam Study Material

Duolingo Exam Dates
Duolingo Test Score
Duolingo Test Results
Duolingo Test Booking

Free Duolingo Ebooks

Duolingo Guide (Free PDF)
Duolingo Test Pattern (Free PDF)

NEET & MCAT Exam

NEET Study Material
NEET Preparation
MCAT Eligibility
MCAT Preparation

SAT & ACT Exam

ACT Eligibility
ACT Exam Dates
SAT Syllabus
SAT Exam Pattern
SAT Exam Eligibility

USMLE & OET Exam

USMLE Syllabus
USMLE Preparation
USMLE Step 1
OET Syllabus
OET Eligibility
OET Prepration

PLAB & LSAT Exam

PLAB Exam Syllabus
PLAB Exam Fees
LSAT Eligibility
LSAT Registration
TOEIC Result
Study Guide

Application Process

LOR for Masters
SOP Samples for MS
LOR for Phd
SOP for Internship
SOP for Phd
Check Visa Status
Motivation Letter Format
Motivation Letter for Internship
F1 Visa Documents Checklist

Career Prospects

Popular Courses after Bcom in Abroad
Part Time Jobs in Australia
Part Time Jobs in USA
Salary after MS in Germany
Salary after MBA in Canada
Average Salary in Singapore
Higher Studies after MBA in Abroad
Study in Canada after 12th

Country Guides

Study in UK
Study in Canada
Study in USA
Study in Australia
SOP Samples for Canada Student Visa
US F1 Visa Guide for Aspirants

Exams Guides

Duolingo Test Pattern

GPA CALCULATOR Convert percentage marks to GPA effortlessly with our calculator!

Expense calculator plan your study abroad expenses with our comprehensive calculator, ielts band calculator estimate your ielts band score with our accurate calculator, education loan calculator discover your eligible loan amount limit with our education calculator, university partner explore growth and opportunities with our university partnership, accommodation discover your perfect study abroad accommodation here, experience-center discover our offline centers for a personalized experience, our offices visit us for expert study abroad counseling..

18002102030
Study Abroad

Difference Between Paragraph and Essay – IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples

IELTS Preparation
IELTS E-Books
IELTS Registration
IELTS Exam Fee
IELTS Exam Dates 2024
Documents Required
IELTS Test Centers
Test Format
Band Descriptors
IELTS Speaking Test
General Reading Test
General Writing Task
IELTS Coaching
Types of Essays
IELTS for Australia
IELTS Results
Generation Gap Essay
GPA Calculator
Study Abroad Consultant In India
Study Visa Consultants in India

Updated on 08 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

Upgrad abroad editorial team.

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is important for every student planning to pursue higher education abroad. As a part of the exam, you will have to elaborate on a given topic. One of the topics you might encounter is the difference between paragraph and essay . Before penning down the essay, keep in mind the following points:

Start by carefully understanding the topic
Organize your thoughts and keep the text brief
Don’t add unnecessary points or fluff remarks
Keep the tone formal

What is the difference between paragraph and essay: sample essay 1, is there any difference between paragraph and essay: sample essay 2, frequently asked questions, important ielts exam resources.

Paragraphs and essays are different forms of write-ups used to express one's point of view. Both writing pieces should be informational, with an idea explained clearly and concisely. Even though they may appear similar, there exists a difference between paragraphs and essays .

A paragraph is a self-sufficient writing unit created with multiple sentences. All these sentences are arranged in an organized manner to convey the author's perspective. Additionally, all the lines must be in coherence with one another. An ideal paragraph should start with an introductory sentence, followed by the text body explaining the topic, and should end with a concluding sentence.

A good paragraph will also convey the author's idea to the reader. Each sentence should expand on that point and not stray from the general topic. Usually, paragraphs are composed of 5-7 sentences and don't require much preparation as they do not give out much detail.

On the other hand, an essay is a formal write-up consisting of at least 2 to 3 paragraphs. Here, the first paragraph introduces the topic the author plans to discuss in the rest of the essay. The following paragraphs are used to express the views in a detailed manner. Finally, an essay is finished with a concluding paragraph, highlighting the crux of the topic.

Explore More Resources About IELTS Essay:

In any fictional or non-fictional write-up, we come across multiple texts divided into separate portions for better understanding. Writing sections can be classified as either a paragraph or an essay. Despite the apparent similarities, there is a stark difference between paragraph and essay .

A paragraph is an arrangement of multiple sentences. Here, you don't have to form a sync with other parts of the text as it is singular. On the other hand, an essay must follow a specific pattern. It should have an introduction and a conclusion paragraph apart from the general text. You can also add quotes from relevant sources in the essay to make it more credible for the readers.

The next difference is the text length in both write-ups. A paragraph is a coherent collection of approximately 5-7 sentences. However, the pattern of an essay has no such limitations. It is composed of multiple paragraphs. Based on the requirements, a short essay can have a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs, and an extensive essay can have 6-8 paragraphs or more.

A paragraph is hence a part of an essay. The beginning of a new paragraph is indicated by inserting a line break, while an introductory paragraph marks the beginning of an essay.

Download IELTS Preparation Guide For Free

Get to know about the latest updates on the IELTS Exam, Eligibility, Preparation Tips, Test procedure, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Registration Process, Important Exam Dates, and much more!! This guide is a one-stop solution for every IELTS Aspirant who aims to crack the exam with an impressive band score.

Can a paragraph be considered an IELTS essay?

No, a paragraph can never be considered an essay. A paragraph has no line breaks and includes all text in continuation. On the other hand, an essay has several line breaks marking the beginning of each paragraph. Also, an essay is comprised of several paragraphs.

How many paragraphs are required in an IELTS essay?

All essays in IELTS must have an introduction and conclusion. This is two paragraphs. Additionally, the body must be divided into 2-3 paragraphs. Therefore, the total number of paragraphs your IELTS essay must have is 4 to 5.

IELTS Exam Overview

IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.

IELTS Exam Syllabus

With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult.

IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

Register For IELTS

IELTS is the most popular and crucial test for evaluating English language proficiency throughout the world. Learn how to register for the IELTS exam.

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria

It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening.

IELTS Exam Fees

The IELTS exam fee in India varies based on the types of IELTS tests. The link below shows detailed information on the IELTS exam fees.

IELTS Exam Dates 2022

The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode.

IELTS Test Centres in India

Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test.

Band Score for Reading

IELTS reading band score decides the knowledge and proficiency of the English language of the applicants.

IELTS Listening Band Score

The listening section evaluates the comprehension level of candidates. The scores also depend on the understanding of different accents and dialects.

IELTS Score Validity

The IELTS score validity for General and Academic is two years across the globe. The IELTS result validity for Canada is two years.

Types of IELTS Exam

There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job.

Books for IELTS Preparation

Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.

Tips for IELTS Writing

Before appearing for the test, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned IELTS writing tips and tricks to score well in the writing section.

Reading Section IELTS

Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer.

IELTS Speaking Preparation

Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.

Phrases for IELTS Speaking

There are many phrases for IELTS speaking that a candidate should practice beforehand. If you aim for band 9, you should know these phrases.

IELTS Band Score Chart

IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test.

IELTS Band Score

Understanding the IELTS band score is not difficult. The results of the examination are reported on a scale of 9 bands.

IELTS Slot Booking

To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.

IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.

Writing Task 1 IELTS

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.

IELTS Essay Samples

The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.

IELTS Cue Cards

The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

Important Exams

Important ielts essay resources, get free consultation for ielts, trending searches, editor's pick, other countries.

Bachelors in Aviation
Masters in Accounting
BSc in Nursing
MA in Communication
University of Melbourne Courses
Courses in Australia
Nursing Courses in Australia
Universities in Australia
University of Adelaide
Masters in Australia
Masters in Public Health in Australia
La Trobe University
MS in Australia
Masters in Business Analytics in Australia
University of Windsor
Concordia University
Thompson Rivers University
University of Manitoba
Universities in Canada
Trent University
University of Saskatchewan
Courses in Canada
Masters in Canada
University of Victoria
Masters in Data Science in Canada
Queen Mary University of London
Manchester Metropolitan University Ranking
Birmingham City University
University of Oxford Courses
University of Bristol
University of Leicester
University of Strathclyde Ranking
Courses in UK
University of Leicester Ranking
University of Sussex Ranking
Masters in UK
De Montfort University
Bachelors in UK
University of West London Ranking
Universities in UK
Queen Mary University of London Ranking
Liverpool John Moores University Ranking
Kings College London
University of Cambridge Courses
Northumbria University Ranking
University of Dayton ranking
Columbia University Ranking
University of South Florida ranking
New York University Ranking
masters in computer science in usa
Saint Louis University
George Mason University
Purdue University ranking
Universities in USA
Columbia University Acceptance Rate
Saint Louis University Ranking
University of Texas at Dallas ranking
Pace University
Masters in USA
New York University
Bachelors in USA
DePaul University
DePaul University Ranking
Northeastern University acceptance rate
Courses in USA
George Mason University ranking
University of Texas at Arlington ranking
University at Buffalo
Purdue University
Drexel University Ranking
Northeastern University ranking
Duolingo vs IELTS
Duolingo Exam Fee
Gre Exam Fee in India
MBA In UK Without Gmat
CEFR Level in IELTS
Top Phrases for IELTS Speaking Test
Duolingo Accepted Universities In Australia
IELTS Common Speaking Topics
Duolingo Accepted Universities In Canada
Gmat Syllabus
SAT Exam Syllabus
Minimum IELTS Score For Canada
Usmle Test Centers In India
IELTS Introduction Sample
Universities in Canada Without IELTS
22 July IELTS Exam
Duolingo Certificate
How to download IELTS Scorecard
GRE Waived University In Usa
IELTS Speaking Scores
Business Courses in Ireland
Courses in Netherlands
Technological University Dublin Courses
University of Europe for Applied Sciences Acceptance Rate
Technological University Dublin
Dundalk Institute of Technology Courses
National University of Ireland Galway Courses
Study in Netherlands
University of Limerick Courses
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Maynooth University Courses
Universities in Netherlands
Masters Courses in Netherlands
Dublin City University Courses

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.

Call us to clear your doubts at:

Download our App

Grievance Redressal
Experience Centers
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
University Partner
Accommodation
IELTS Band Calculator
Download Study Abroad App
Education Loan Calculator
upGrad Abroad Office
Expense Calculator
Knowledge Base
Business Partner

Top Destinations

Masters programs.

MBA in Germany, IU
MIM in Germany, IU
MS in CS in Germany, IU
MS in Data Analytics in USA, Clark University
MS in Project Management in USA, Clark University
MS in IT in USA, Clark University
MS in Data Analytics & Visualization in USA, Yeshiva University
MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA, Yeshiva University
MS in Cybersecurity, Yeshiva University

Study Abroad Important Blogs

Cost of Study:
Cost of Studying in Canada
Cost of Studying in Ireland
Cost of Studying in Australia
Cost of living:
Cost of living in UK
Cost of living in Australia
Cost of living in Germany
Cost of living in Ireland
Cost of living in Canada
Career Opportunities:
Career Opportunities in Australia
Career Opportunities in Germany
Job Opportunities in After MS in Canada
Job Opportunities After MBA in Australia
Job Opportunities After MS in UK
IELTS Exam Resources:
Academic IELTS
IELTS Score for UK
IELTS Score for USA
Validity of IELTS Score
IELTS Speaking Topics
IELTS Reading Tips
How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching
IELTS Preparation Books
IELTS Academic vs General
IELTS Essay
IELTS Exam Dates
Top Streams:
Fashion Designing Courses in Australia
Accounting Courses in Canada
Management Courses in Canada

Secure Your Spot: First 200 members will get 30% off. Join the Waitlist

Differences between Paragraph and Essay

Paragraphs build up to create an essay, and an essay is composed of multiple paragraphs. They work together in a cooperative way to present a thorough discussion on a topic. The paragraph provides a focused look at one aspect, while the essay combines several paragraphs to give a broader view of a subject.

By: Arooj Sheikh , Published on: 2023-09-19, Last Updated: 19-01-24

Reviewed by: Karin Littlewood

Writing lets us share thoughts, ideas, and information. It is useful in school, work, and daily life. Writing well means using paragraphs and essays in the right way.

In this article, we will look at how paragraphs and essays are different. We will learn when to use each one and how they help communication.

This will help you understand paragraphs and essays better. You will know when to use them and how they make writing good.

Defining Paragraph

A paragraph is a part of writing made up of connected sentences. It talks about one main topic or idea. Paragraphs are the building blocks of writing. They are used to explain more points within longer pieces of work. Typically, a paragraph has 3–8 sentences.

What is the Purpose of a Paragraph?

The main purpose of a paragraph is to provide information and explanation about one specific idea or point. All the sentences work together to fully develop that singular point.

A paragraph allows the writer to elaborate on an idea completely before moving on. This focused approach helps organize information clearly for the reader.

Characteristics of a Well-Written Paragraph

A well-written paragraph possesses key attributes that contribute to effective communication. Here are the essential characteristics:

A paragraph with unity focuses entirely on one central point or idea. The paragraph should not jump between different thoughts. Instead, all the sentences work together to explain different aspects of the same concept.

Each sentence relates to the main point identified in the topic sentence. Sticking to one idea makes the information clear for readers.

To have coherence, the sentences in a paragraph must be connected in a logical order. The thoughts should flow smoothly from one sentence to the next. Sentences out of order can confuse readers.

Using transition words like "first," "next," and "in addition" helps guide readers from one idea to the next. Arrange sentences in an order that builds the point logically. With coherence, readers can follow along easily.

Conciseness

Conciseness means avoiding unnecessary words. Being concise eliminates the repetition of ideas. If a point is made, move on instead of restating it.

Limit descriptions and background details to only what's needed to understand the topic. Eliminate filler words that don't add meaning. Concise writing engages readers by getting right to the point. It keeps paragraphs focused and direct.

Clarity means the paragraph is straightforward and easily understood. The language is literal, not vague. Technical terms or confusing jargon are avoided or explained.

Any acronyms should be spelled out. Being clear ensures the reader comprehends exactly what the writer means to convey. It prevents misunderstandings. Readers appreciate direct explanations of ideas.

Varied Sentence Structure

Using only simple sentences can seem choppy and dull. But paragraphs with long, complex sentences can seem dense. The best paragraphs mix it up.

They include some short, punchy sentences along with longer ones. The sentences use different constructions, like simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. This adds variety in both length and structure. It also allows for the nuanced expression of ideas.

Adequate Development

Thorough development means the paragraph provides sufficient detail about the topic. Quickly mentioning a point is not enough.

The sentences expand on the main idea with explanations, examples, facts, statistics, consequences, and outcomes. This depth ensures readers fully grasp the concept. Underdeveloped ideas leave readers wanting more information.

Opening Engagement

An opening hook engages the reader right away. Rhetorical questions, quotes, statistics, anecdotes, analogies, and intriguing statements are examples.

This gets the reader's attention, so they keep reading. An engaging opening line sets the tone and motivates you to continue.

Effective Transitions

Transitions are bridges between ideas. They show the connections between sentences and paragraphs. Common transitional words include "however," "therefore," "consequently," "for example," "specifically," and "in contrast." Transitions guide the reader smoothly through the progression of thoughts.

Closing Emphasis (Optional)

Ending a paragraph with a memorable statement can emphasize the main point. The conclusion might restate the key idea in a new way.

Or it might provide a call to action, a prediction, a rhetorical question, or a quotation. This lasting impression can reinforce learning and impact readers.

Example of a Paragraph

Topic Sentence

Eating fruits and vegetables every day is good for your health.

Supporting Sentences

They give you important vitamins and minerals. They help your body stay strong and work right. Eating them can prevent heart disease and some cancers. They can also be good for losing weight.

Closing Sentence

Eat fruits and vegetables daily. It is healthy and can help you feel good and live longer.

Defining Essay

An essay is a long piece about a topic. It has research, opinions, or discussions on the topic. Essays have many paragraphs.

The paragraphs connect to fully cover the big topic. Each paragraph focuses on one sub-idea related to the main topic.

What is the Purpose of Writing an Essay?

The purpose of an essay is to fully explore a broad topic. Essays use different sources, facts, analyses, examples, and opinions.

Essays let the writer closely examine complicated issues. They let the writer share their viewpoint. The paragraphs work together to build the writer's main ideas. This creates one full discussion.

5 Types of Essay

There are several types of essays, each with its own distinct characteristics and purposes:

1. Narrative Essay

A narrative essay tells a story from the writer's life. It is often about a memorable event or experience. The writer shares what happened from their perspective.

2. Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay creates a detailed picture with words. The writer describes a person, place, thing, or moment using vivid sensory details. The goal is to fully engage the reader in the description.

3. Expository Essay

An expository essay explains something to the reader. It gives step-by-step details on how something works. Or it gives background details about a concept or idea.

4. Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay tries to convince the reader of an opinion or view. The writer makes a claim and then provides reasons and proof to support that claim. Examples and expert opinions back up the argument.

5. Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay claims a topic and then argues for and against it. The writer's position is backed up with logical reasoning and solid evidence. Counterarguments are also addressed to show multiple perspectives.

What is the Structure of an Essay?

So, here are the points that contribute to a good essay structure:

Introduction

The introduction starts the essay . It introduces the main topic and often has a thesis statement. This outlines what the essay will argue.

Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs each discuss one part of the topic . They have proof and examples that support the thesis. The details back up the main argument.

Transitions

Transitions connect the paragraphs and ideas. They help the reader follow the flow of thoughts logically. Transitions show how one point relates to the next.

The conclusion wraps up the essay. It reminds the reader of the main points and restates the thesis. The conclusion provides closure and final thoughts on the topic .

References or Citations (if applicable)

In academic essays, sources of facts, quotes, and ideas must be credited. A reference or works cited page lists all sources. Citations within the essay show where specific information is from.

Example of an Essay Structure

Broccoli is the healthiest food. It has many vitamins and minerals for health.

Body Paragraph 1

Broccoli has vitamin C, which helps the immune system. It fights colds and infections. Just one cup of broccoli covers your whole day's vitamin C needs.

Body Paragraph 2

Broccoli also provides vitamin K, which is good for bone health. It helps build strong bones that don't break easily as you get older.

Body Paragraph 3

Some people don't like broccoli because of the taste. It can be bitter and hard to chew. But adding cheese sauce or roasting it makes broccoli taste better.

Differences between Paragraph & Essay

Gives one main point
Focuses on one piece of a topic
Transitions (Optional)
Closing Sentence (Optional)
3-5 sentences usually
Used in longer writings
Provides focused information
Discusses a whole topic
Covers a topic fully and deeply
Body Paragraphs (Multiple)
It varies a lot, depending on the topic
Narrative, descriptive, persuasive, etc.
Explores and analyzes a whole topic

Paragraphs and essays have different purposes. Knowing when and how to use each one improves writing. Concise, focused paragraphs help with writing.

Thorough, organized essays help too. Together, they let writers express ideas powerfully. Understanding the structures matters. Utilizing them well is key. It makes writing stronger overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is the main purpose of a paragraph.

The main purpose of a paragraph is to explain one central idea. Paragraphs expand on one main point or topic.

They let the writer give details before moving on. All the sentences work together. They expand on one point.

2. What makes a good essay?

A strong essay has an engaging introduction. The introduction previews the topic. The body paragraphs are smoothly ordered. There are transitions between ideas. The essay has solid research and facts.

These support the claims. There is a memorable conclusion. The conclusion summarizes the main points. A thoughtful structure helps create a quality essay. Strong analysis also helps. Good grammar helps too.

3. Can an essay have only one body paragraph?

It is possible for an essay to have just one body paragraph. This is more common in short essays or types like narrative or descriptive essays.

But most essays with a full exploration of a topic have multiple body paragraphs. Each body paragraph addresses different aspects.

4. Is it necessary to include references or citations in a paragraph?

Usually, citations are not needed in a paragraph. But if the information comes from other sources, you should give credit. This matters most within the full essay or document. Proper attribution is important.

5. When should I start a new paragraph?

Start a new paragraph when you are moving from discussing one main idea to another. For example, each body paragraph of an essay focuses on a distinct main point, so a new paragraph is needed when shifting gears to a new sub-topic or example. New paragraphs help organize information.

How to Write the Perfect Paragraph on Any Topic?
10 Differences between Paragraph and Bullets
How to Write An Introduction Paragraph
How to Write a Body Paragraph
How to Write Conclusion Paragraph
How to Write a Narrative Paragraph
How to Write Argumentative Paragraph
How to Write Persuasive Paragraph
How to Write Motivational Paragraph

How was your Experience?

Join the waitlist for amazing offers.

school Campus Bookshelves
menu_book Bookshelves
perm_media Learning Objects
login Login
how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
hub Instructor Commons
Download Page (PDF)
Download Full Book (PDF)
Periodic Table
Physics Constants
Scientific Calculator
Reference & Cite
Tools expand_more
Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

4.4: Organically Structured Essays

Last updated
Save as PDF
Page ID 58279
Lumen Learning

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)

\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)

\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)

\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)

\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)

\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)

\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)

\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}} % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}} % arrow\)

\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)

\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)

Learning Objective

Identify characteristics of organically structured essays

In high school, the SAT and other standardized testing formats value a very rigid, formulaic approach to essay writing. Some students who have mastered that form, and enjoyed a lot of success from doing so, assume that college writing is simply more of the same. The skills involved in a very basic kind of essay—often called the five-paragraph theme—are indispensable. If you’re good at the five-paragraph theme, then you’re good at identifying a clear and consistent thesis, arranging cohesive paragraphs, organizing evidence for key points, and situating an argument within a broader context through the introduction and conclusion.

In college, you will build on and move beyond those essential formulaic skills. Your college professors are looking for a more ambitious and arguable thesis, a nuanced and compelling argument, and real-life evidence for all key points, all in an organically structured paper.

Link to Learning

This resource from the UNC Writing Center explains how college writing differs from writing in high school.

The figures below contrast the standard five-paragraph theme and the organic college paper. The five-paragraph theme, outlined on the left, is probably what you’re used to: the introductory paragraph starts broadly and gradually narrows to a thesis, which readers expect to find at the very end of that paragraph. In this format, the thesis invokes the magic number of three: three reasons why a statement is true. Each of those reasons is explained and justified in the three body paragraphs, and then the final paragraph restates the thesis before gradually getting broader. This format is easy for readers to follow, and it helps developing writers organize their points and the evidence that goes with them. That’s why you learned it.

The figure on the right represents a paper on the same topic that has the more organic form expected in college. The first key difference is the thesis. Rather than simply positing a number of reasons to think that something is true, the thesis in an organic essay puts forward an arguable statement: one with which a reasonable person might disagree. An arguable thesis gives the paper purpose. It surprises readers and draws them in. You hope your reader thinks, Huh. Why would the author come to that conclusion? and then feels compelled to read on. The body paragraphs, then, build on one another to carry out this ambitious argument.

In the classic five-paragraph theme it hardly matters which of the three reasons you explain first or second. In the more organic structure, each paragraph specifically leads to the next. The last key difference is seen in the conclusion. Because the organic essay is driven by an ambitious, non-obvious argument, the reader comes to the concluding section thinking, OK, I’m convinced by the argument. What do you, author, make of it? Why does it matter? The conclusion of an organically structured paper has a real job to do. It doesn’t just reiterate the thesis; it explains why the thesis matters. Some instructors will call this the so what? Given what you’ve argued in your essay, so what? What the takeaway or the call to action?

Five Paragraph Essay vs. organic essay

Compare the five-paragraph model on the left with the organic model on the right.

The substantial time you spent mastering the five-paragraph form was time well spent; it’s hard to imagine anyone succeeding with the more organic form without the organizational skills and habits of mind inherent in the simpler form. But if you assume that you must adhere rigidly to the simpler form, you’re blunting your intellectual ambition. Your professors will not be impressed by obvious theses, loosely related body paragraphs, and repetitive conclusions. They want you to undertake an ambitious, independent analysis, one that will yield a thesis that is somewhat surprising and challenging to explain.

https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...sessments/5603

Understanding that college writing will demand more than a five-paragraph essay is the first step. But then what? How do writers move beyond the formulas that are so familiar and well-practiced and begin to develop organic writing?

A good starting place is to recharacterize writing as thinking. Experienced writers don’t figure out what they want to say and then write it. They write in order to figure out what they want to say. Experienced writers develop theses in dialog with the body of the essay. An initial characterization of the problem leads to a tentative thesis. Then, drafting the body of the paper reveals thorny contradictions or critical areas of ambiguity, prompting the writer to revisit or expand the body of evidence and then refine the thesis based on that fresh look. The revised thesis may require that body paragraphs be reordered and reshaped to fit the emerging thesis. Throughout the process, the thesis serves as an anchor point while the author wades through the morass of facts and ideas. The writer continues to read to learn more about his or her issue and refines his or her ideas in response to what is learned. The dialogue between thesis and body continues until the author is satisfied or the due date arrives, whatever comes first.

Consider the following example.

Your political science professor asks you to write a paper on legislative redistricting. The professor spent a lot of time in class talking about motivations for redistricting, state redistricting laws, and Supreme Court redistricting cases. You decide to write about those three topics using the following thesis:

Legislative redistricting is a complicated process that involves motivations for redistricting, state redistricting laws, and Supreme Court decisions.

Then you write a section on motivations, a section on state laws, and a section on Supreme Court decisions.

On the first draft of the paper, the professor comments: “This paper tries to cover too much and has no point to make. What’s the original point you are trying to defend? You are just restating everything we said about redistricting in class. Keep thinking.” You realize at this point that you have tried to write a five-paragraph essay, and it doesn’t work.

You go back to the drawing board. Your professor said you needed an arguable, original point and to avoid just restating everything from class. You think about what interested you most in the discussion of redistricting and remember talking about the Goldilocks principle of getting the balance of voters “just right.” You also remember that the professor mentioned a current case before the Supreme Court involving your home state.

You research the case and decide to revise your thesis to argue that your state has not achieved the Goldilocks balance but has erred on the side of excessive racial representation in some districts. Rather than using the body paragraphs of the paper to give three reasons for why that overrepresentation occurred, you decide to first give background on the racial divisions within the state, followed by profiles of two districts where over-representation of one race has occurred.

After writing those sections, you read further about the current status of the Supreme Court case and find that one of the districts you discuss in the paper isn’t involved in the case and that the Court’s decision has still not been handed down. You decide to rewrite one of the profile sections to focus on the district in the Supreme Court case. Then you add a section overviewing the current court case. You use your conclusion to make a recommendation to the Supreme Court about how the case should be decided.

Once the conclusion is drafted, you go back to the introduction and tighten the thesis to focus just on the two districts covered in the court case. You also revise the initial background section to include specific mention of those two cases. Now you are writing like a college writer, using writing as a tool for thinking and developing the paper in response to your growing understanding.

An organically structured argument is a beautiful thing. For one, it gives a paper authentic momentum. The first paragraph doesn’t just start with some broad, vague statement; every sentence is crucial for setting up the thesis. The body paragraphs build on one another, moving through each step of the logical chain. Each paragraph leads inevitably to the next, making the transitions from paragraph to paragraph feel wholly natural. The conclusion, instead of being a mirror-image paraphrase of the introduction, builds out the argument by explaining the broader implications. It offers new insight, without departing from the flow of the analysis.

A paper with this kind of momentum may read like it was knocked out in one inspired sitting. But don’t be fooled In reality, just like accomplished athletes and artists, masterful writers make the difficult look easy. As writer Anne Lamott notes, reading a well-written piece feels like its author sat down and typed it out, “bounding along like huskies across the snow.” However, she continues,

This is just the fantasy of the uninitiated. I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her very much. [1]

https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...sessments/5604 https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...essments/20430

Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (New York: Pantheon, 1994), 21. ↵

Contributors and Attributions

Practice: Organically Structured Essays. Provided by : University of Mississippi. License : CC BY: Attribution
Revision and Adaptation. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Moving beyond the five-paragraph theme.. Authored by : Amy Guptill.. Provided by : The College at Brockport, SUNY. Located at : textbooks.opensuny.org/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/. Project : Writing in College: From Competence to Excellence. . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Organic and Inorganic. Authored by : John D.. Located at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/john-pa/6425182999/ . License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
Three-story theses and the organically structured argument. Authored by : Amy Guptill. Provided by : The College at Brockport, SUNY. Located at : textbooks.opensuny.org/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/. Project : Writing in College: From Competence to Excellence. License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Share full article

Supported by

Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef Goes Nuclear: What to Know

The two rappers had circled one another for more than a decade, but their attacks turned relentless and very personal in a slew of tracks released over the weekend.

Drake dressed in dark clothing raps into a microphone, with a hand gesturing in the air. Kendrick Lamar, dressed in red and a dark ball cap worn backward, raps into a microphone.

By Joe Coscarelli

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake exploded into full-bore acrimony and unverifiable accusations over the weekend. Both artists rapid-fire released multiple songs littered with attacks regarding race, appropriation, sexual and physical abuse, body image, misogyny, hypocrisy, generational trauma and more.

Most relentless was Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner from Compton, Calif., who tends toward the isolated and considered but has now released four verbose and conceptual diss tracks — totaling more than 20 minutes of new music — targeting Drake in the last week, including three since Friday.

Each racked up millions of streams and the three that were made available commercially — “Euphoria,” “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us” — are expected to land near the top of next week’s Billboard singles chart, while seeming to, at least momentarily, shift the public perception of Drake, long a maestro of the online public arena and meme ecosystem .

In between, on Friday night, Drake released his own broadside against Lamar — plus a smattering of other recent challengers — in a teasing Instagram interlude plus a three-part track and elaborate music video titled “Family Matters,” in which he referred to his rival as a fake activist and attempted to expose friction and alleged abuse in Lamar’s romantic relationship.

But that song was followed within half an hour by Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams,” an ominous extended address to the parents and young son of Drake, born Aubrey Graham, in which Lamar refers to his rival rapper as a liar and “pervert” who “should die” in order to make the world safer for women.

Lamar also seemed to assert that Drake had more than a decade ago fathered a secret daughter — echoing the big reveal of his son from Drake’s last headline rap beef — a claim Drake quickly denied on Instagram before hitting back in another song on Sunday. (Neither man has addressed the full array of rapped allegations directly.)

On Tuesday, a security guard was shot and seriously injured outside of Drake’s Toronto home, which appeared on the cover art for Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Authorities said they could not yet speak to a motive in the shooting, but the investigation was ongoing. Representatives for Drake and Lamar did not immediately comment.

How did two of the most famous artists in the world decide to take the gloves off and bring real-life venom into an extended sparring match for rap supremacy? It was weeks, months and years in the making, with a sudden, breakneck escalation into hip-hop infamy. Here’s a breakdown.

Since late March, the much-anticipated head-to-head seemed inevitable. Following years of “will they or won’t they?” lyrical feints, Lamar hit directly on record first this year during a surprise appearance on the song “Like That” by the Atlanta rapper Future and the producer Metro Boomin, both formerly frequent Drake collaborators.

With audible disgust, Lamar invoked the track “First Person Shooter” from last year’s Drake album, “For All the Dogs,” in which a guest verse from J. Cole referred to himself, Drake and Lamar as “the big three” of modern MCs.

Lamar took exception to the grouping, declaring that there was no big three, “just big me.” He also called himself the Prince to Drake’s Michael Jackson — a deeper, more complex artist versus a troubled, pop-oriented hitmaker.

“Like That” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as Future and Metro Boomin released two chart-topping albums — “We Don’t Trust You” and “We Still Don’t Trust You” — that were anchored by a parade of Drake’s past associates, each of whom seemed to share a simmering distaste toward the rapper, who later called the ambush a “20 v. 1” fight.

In early April, J. Cole fought back momentarily , releasing the song “7 Minute Drill,” in which he called Lamar overrated, before backtracking, apologizing and having the song removed from streaming services. But Drake soon picked up the baton, releasing a wide-ranging diss track called “Push Ups” less than a week later that addressed the field, with a special focus on Lamar’s height, shoe size and supposedly disadvantageous business dealings.

Less than a week later, Drake mocked Lamar’s lack of a response on “Taylor Made Freestyle,” a track released only on social media. It featured Drake taunting Lamar for being scared to release music at the same time as Taylor Swift and using A.I. voice filters to mimic Tupac and Snoop Dogg imploring Lamar to battle for the good of the West Coast.

“Since ‘Like That,’ your tone changed a little, you not as enthused,” Drake rapped in an abbreviated third verse, as himself. “How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed.” (“Taylor Made Freestyle” was later removed from the internet at the request of the Tupac Estate.)

But it was a seemingly tossed-off line from the earlier “Push Ups” that included the name of Lamar’s longtime romantic partner — “I be with some bodyguards like Whitney” — that Lamar would later allude to as a red line crossed, making all subject matter fair game in the songs to come. (It was this same alleged faux pas that may have triggered an intensification of Drake’s beef with Pusha T in 2018.)

How We Got Here

Even with Drake-dissing cameos from Future, Ye (formerly Kanye West), Rick Ross, the Weeknd and ASAP Rocky, the main event was always going to be between Drake, 37, and Lamar, 36, who have spent more than a decade subtly antagonizing one another in songs while maintaining an icy frenemy rapport in public.

In 2011, when Drake introduced Lamar to mainstream audiences with a dedicated showcase on his second album, “Take Care,” and an opening slot on the subsequent arena tour, the tone was one of side-eying competition. “He said that he was the same age as myself/and it didn’t help ’cause it made me even more rude and impatient,” Lamar rapped on “Buried Alive Interlude” of his earliest encounter with a more-famous Drake. (On his Instagram on Friday, Drake released a parody of the track, citing Lamar’s jealousy since then.)

The pair went on to appear together on “Poetic Justice,” a single from Lamar’s debut album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” in 2012, as well as “___ Problems” by ASAP Rocky the same year.

But their collaborations ceased as Drake became his generation’s premier hitmaker across styles in hip-hop and beyond, while Lamar burrowed deeper into his own psyche on knotty concept albums that brought wide critical acclaim alongside less constant commercial success.

When asked, the two rappers tended to profess admiration for one another’s skill, but seemed to trade subtle digs in verses over the years, always with plausible deniability and in the spirit of competition, leading to something of a hip-hop cold war.

The Week It Went Nuclear

Lamar’s first targeted response, “Euphoria,” was more than six minutes long and released last Tuesday morning. In three sections that raised the temperature as they built, he warned Drake about proceeding and insisted, somewhat facetiously, that things were still friendly. “Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar too,” Lamar rapped. “But don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ’bout you.”

He accused the biracial Drake, who was born and raised in Toronto, of imitating Black American heritage and insulting him subliminally. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress,” Lamar said. “I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct.” And he called Drake’s standing as a father into question: “Teachin’ him morals, integrity, discipline/listen, man, you don’t know nothin’ ’bout that.”

Days later, Lamar doubled down with an Instagram-only track called “6:16 in LA,” borrowing both Drake’s “Back to Back” diss tactic from his 2015 beef with Meek Mill and a song title structure lifted from what is known as Drake’s time-stamp series of raps. Opting for psychological warfare on a beat produced in part by Jack Antonoff, Swift’s chief collaborator, Lamar hinted that he had a mole in Drake’s operation and was aware of his opponent’s opposition research.

“Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible person,” he rapped. “Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.”

That night, Drake’s “Family Matters” started with its own justification for getting personal — “You mentioned my seed, now deal with his dad/I gotta go bad, I gotta go bad” — before taking on Lamar’s fatherhood and standing as a man in excruciating detail. “They hired a crisis management team to clean up the fact that you beat on your queen,” Drake rapped. “The picture you painted ain’t what it seem/you’re dead.”

Yet in a chess move that seemed to anticipate Drake’s familial line of attack, Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams” was released almost immediately. “This supposed to be a good exhibition within the game,” Lamar said, noting that Drake had erred “the moment you called out my family’s name.” Instead of a rap battle, Lamar concluded after another six minutes of psychological dissection, “this a long life battle with yourself.”

He wasn’t done yet. Dispensing with subtlety, Lamar followed up again less than 24 hours later with “Not Like Us,” a bouncy club record in a Los Angeles style that delighted in more traditional rap beef territory, like juvenile insults, proudly unsubstantiated claims of sexual preferences and threats of violence.

Lamar, however, didn’t leave it at that, throwing one more shot at Drake’s authenticity as a rapper, calling him a greedy and artificial user as a collaborator — “not a colleague,” but a “colonizer.”

On Sunday evening, Drake responded yet again. On “The Heart Part 6,” a title taken from Lamar’s career-spanning series, Drake denied the accusation that he preyed on young women, indicated that he had planted the bad information about his fake daughter and seemed to sigh away the fight as “some good exercise.”

“It’s good to get out, get the pen working,” Drake said in an exhausted outro. “You would be a worthy competitor if I was really a predator.” He added, “You know, at least your fans are getting some raps out of you. I’m happy I could motivate you.”

Joe Coscarelli is a culture reporter with a focus on popular music, and the author of “Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story.” More about Joe Coscarelli

Explore the World of Hip-Hop

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has exploded into full-bore acrimony .

As their influence and success continue to grow, artists including Sexyy Red and Cardi B are destigmatizing motherhood for hip-hop performers .

ValTown, an account on X and other social media platforms, spotlights gangs and drug kingpins of the 1980s and 1990s , illustrating how they have driven the aesthetics and the narratives of hip-hop.

Three new books cataloging objects central to rap’s physical history demonstrate the importance of celebrating these relics before they vanish.

Hip-hop got its start in a Bronx apartment building 50 years ago. Here’s how the concept of home has been at the center of the genre ever since .

Over five decades, hip-hop has grown from a new art form to a culture-defining superpower . In their own words, 50 influential voices chronicle its evolution .

COMMENTS

What's the difference between an essay and a paragraph?
A paragraph focuses on one topic. This topic is introduced with the first sentence in the paragraph, and the following sentences provide supporting details about the topic. An essay is usually ...
10 Differences Between essay and paragraph
In summary, essays and paragraphs are both important forms of written communication but differ in various aspects. Essays are longer, more comprehensive, and deal with a specific topic in-depth, while paragraphs are shorter and focus on discussing a single idea. Essays have a more complex structure and purpose, while paragraphs are building ...
Essay vs. Paragraph
A paragraph includes a topic sentence that is followed by at least two to three sentences that elaborate on that topic. It ends with a final sentence that sums up those thoughts and reaches a conclusion about them. An essay includes an introduction that presents a topic followed by at least two to three paragraphs that elaborate on that topic ...
The Similarities and Differences Between a Paragraph and an Essay
The relationship between a paragraph and an essay is symbiotic; you can't write an essay without using paragraphs, and four or more consecutive paragraphs about the same subject matter become an essay. Both paragraphs and essays have a distinct beginning, middle and end. They're also both composed of five ...
Paragraphs
Paragraphs are the building blocks of papers. Many students define paragraphs in terms of length: a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences, a paragraph is half a page long, etc. In reality, though, the unity and coherence of ideas among sentences is what constitutes a paragraph. A paragraph is defined as "a group of sentences or a ...
The Four Main Types of Essay
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
Paragraph vs Essay: Unraveling the Difference
Paragraph vs Essay: Unraveling the Difference. Key Takeaways Shortly. A paragraph is a unit of writing that focuses on a specific idea or point, and has a defined structure and purpose in academic writing. An essay is a more complex form of academic writing, with a broader scope and a more detailed structure than a paragraph.
How to Structure an Essay
The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body. This article provides useful templates and tips to help you outline your essay, make decisions about your structure, and ...
Example of a Great Essay
This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction, focused paragraphs, clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion. Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence, and each point is directly related to the thesis statement.
Paragraphs
A paragraph is a series of sentences on a specific point or topic. A well written paragraph must have a topic sentence which states the main idea: what the paragraph is about. While some say the topic sentence can be anywhere in the paragraph, it is best to put it as the first sentence in a paragraph. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph ...
On Paragraphs
Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges. Logical bridges. The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence. Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form.
Paragraph and essay are not the same; here's why
We have highlighted the following key difference between a paragraph and an essay -. Definition. A paragraph is usually short. It may include 4 to 6 sentences. The paragraph will address a specific topic or theme, but that is about it. On the other hand, an essay will include 4 to 6 paragraphs.
Difference Between Paragraph and Essay: IELTS Essay Samples
The next difference is the text length in both write-ups. A paragraph is a coherent collection of approximately 5-7 sentences. However, the pattern of an essay has no such limitations. It is composed of multiple paragraphs. Based on the requirements, a short essay can have a minimum of 2-3 paragraphs, and an extensive essay can have 6-8 ...
Differences between Paragraph and Essay
Paragraphs build up to create an essay, and an essay is composed of multiple paragraphs. They work together in a cooperative way to present a thorough discussion on a topic. The paragraph provides a focused look at one aspect, while the essay combines several paragraphs to give a broader view of a subject. Writing lets us share thoughts, ideas ...
4.4: Organically Structured Essays
An organically structured argument is a beautiful thing. For one, it gives a paper authentic momentum. The first paragraph doesn't just start with some broad, vague statement; every sentence is crucial for setting up the thesis. The body paragraphs build on one another, moving through each step of the logical chain.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings. Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence. Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don't ...
Paragraph vs Essay
As nouns the difference between paragraph and essay. is that paragraph is a passage in text that is about a different subject from the preceding text, marked by commencing on a new line, the first line sometimes being indented while essay is a written composition of moderate length exploring a particular issue or subject.
How to Write an Essay Outline
An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate assignment before you ...
M4 iPad Pro CPU cores and RAM amount are tied to storage capacity
The 256GB and 512GB models also ship with 8GB of RAM, where the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of memory installed. Though these changes are clearly spelled out on the Tech Specs page, the ...
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef, Explained
The two rappers had circled one another for more than a decade, but their attacks turned relentless and very personal in a slew of tracks released over the weekend. By Joe Coscarelli The long ...
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay
Making effective comparisons. As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place. For example, you might contrast French ...

10 Differences Between essay and paragraph

What is an Essay?

Examples of Essays:

Uses of Essays:

What is a Paragraph?

Examples of Paragraphs:

Uses of Paragraphs:

Differences Between Essays and Paragraphs:

People Also Ask:

Related Differences:

Leave a Comment

The Similarities and Differences Between a Paragraph and an Essay

Explore this article

1 Topic Sentence

2 Supporting Details

4 Conclusion

About the Author

Related Articles

Difference Between Topic Sentence Vs. Thesis Statement

How to Write Book Titles in an Essay

The Difference Between Argumentative & Narrative Paragraphs

How to Interpret a CAHSEE Score

What Is a Narrative Response?

Steps for Going From Writing a Paragraph to Writing...

How Long is the AP Psych Exam?

Cute Things to Wear With Wedge Heels

What Charge Does a Gamma Ray Have?

Teachers' Assessment Tools

Is There an Essay Required for Admission to Clark Atlanta...

Three Types of History Sources

The Best Styling Products to Get a Short Messy Hair...

Paragraph Writing Skills for Beginners

10 Facts About the 13th Amendment

Does Infatuation Turn to Falling in Love?

Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer in Florida

What Is an Explicit Topic Sentence?

How to Write a Topic Summary for an Essay

What Is the Narrative Argument of "The Jilting of Granny...

What this handout is about

What is a paragraph?

How do I decide what to put in a paragraph?

How do I organize a paragraph?

Illustration paragraph: a 5-step example

Step 1. Decide on a controlling idea and create a topic sentence

Step 2. Elaborate on the controlling idea

Step 3. Give an example (or multiple examples)

Step 4. Explain the example(s)

Step 5. Complete the paragraph’s idea or transition into the next paragraph

Finished paragraph

Troubleshooting paragraphs

Problem: the paragraph has more than one controlling idea

Problem: transitions are needed within the paragraph

Works consulted

Chart your future IT career with AI at Cambridge

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways Shortly

Understanding the Nature of Paragraphs

The Key Elements that Distinguish a Paragraph from an Essay

How Do Essays Encourage Detailed Exploration?

Wrapping Up: The Essay vs Paragraph Showdown

What is a Paragraph?

What Makes an Essay?

Why is a Paragraph Not an Essay?

How to Write Effective Paragraphs?

Mastering Essay Writing: Some Useful Tips

Leave a comment Cancel reply

See Other Posts

See Recent Posts

Search Your Best Result

On Paragraphs

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

What is a paragraph?

The Basic Rule: Keep one idea to one paragraph

Elements of a paragraph

A topic sentence

Adequate development

How do I know when to start a new paragraph?

Transitions and signposts

Paragraph and essay are not the same; here’s why

Key takeaways