This page discusses the different parts and functions of academic paragraphs. Academic paragraphs are usually well-developed paragraphs that use evidence to support a single, specific claim. They are usually longer and denser than paragraphs in other types of writing (e.g. newspapers, magazines, etc.). 

It’s helpful to think about an academic paragraph as having three main sections: 1. Claim, 2. Evidence, and 3. Warrant. 

CLAIM 

1. First sentence / Topic sentence
Here, you should introduce your reader to this paragraph’s main idea, which, in this case, should be one part of your definition, or criteria. Really good topic sentences will also present your thesis link. You can think of the topic sentence as your paragraph’s road map. 

For instance, a topic sentence may look something like this: 

Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a sad, resigned song (thesis link) because the singer is looking at a relationship that is coming to an end. (criteria) 

2. Second sentence / Supporting sentence 
Further explain your criteria if necessary.

The tone of the song give the listener the feeling that love is something that hurts. 

EVIDENCE 

3. Sentences three through six(ish) / Supporting sentences 
Support your topic sentence with examples, using description or quotes from the song. 

The song begins with the singer lying in bed with his love. Even though they are physically close, the two people are emotionally distanced. We can see this when the singer says “we’re still miles apart inside.”

WARRANT 

4. Final supporting sentences 
Explain why the quote shows what you think it shows. Convince us!

The idea of being miles apart means that the two lovers in the song aren’t in the same place emotionally. They are separated by how they feel for each other.

5. Summary sentence 
Your summary sentence ends the paragraph. You may sum up the points you made in the paragraph, gracefully restate your topic sentence, relate the paragraph back to the original idea (thesis), transition to the next paragraph, or a combination of these things. 

Throughout the song, the tone remains sad, and the singer seems to be giving up on the relationship.

Combined: 

All together, this paragraph would look something like this: 

Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a sad, resigned song because the singer is looking at a relationship that is coming to an end. The song begins with the singer lying in bed with his love. Even though they are physically close, the two people are emotionally distanced. We can see this when the singer says “we’re still miles apart inside.” The idea of being miles apart means that the two lovers in the song aren’t in the same place emotionally. They are separated by how they feel for each other. Throughout the song, the tone remains sad, and the singer seems to be giving up on the relationship.