What is the structure of a good paragraph: topic sentence, supporting ideas and concluding sentence?

In one line

A good paragraph has a topic sentence that states the main idea, supporting sentences that explain and prove it, and a concluding sentence that sums it up or leads to the next paragraph.

Explained simply

A paragraph is like a burger: the top bun (topic sentence) tells you what it is, the filling (supporting ideas) is the substance, and the bottom bun (concluding sentence) holds it together. Missing a bun makes a mess.

Technically, the MU syllabus lists the structure of a paragraph as topic sentence, supporting ideas and concluding sentence. Good paragraphs also show unity (one idea), coherence (logical order) and adequate development.

How it works

1. Topic sentence: usually the first sentence; states the main idea and the writer's angle. It should be neither too broad nor too narrow.
2. Supporting ideas: three to five sentences giving reasons, facts, statistics, examples, explanations or steps. Each must relate to the topic sentence.
3. Logical order: arrange support by time, space or importance; connect with transitions.
4. Concluding sentence: restates the main idea in different words, gives a final thought, or links to the next paragraph.
5. Check unity: remove any sentence that does not support the topic sentence.

Quick example

Topic sentence: Rooftop solar panels are a practical choice for Indian homes. Support: India receives strong sunshine for most of the year. The cost of solar panels has fallen sharply over the past decade, and government schemes offer subsidies for residential installations. Moreover, a rooftop system reduces monthly electricity bills and needs little maintenance. Concluding sentence: Therefore, more households should consider switching to solar power.

Common mistakes

• Writing a topic sentence that is just an announcement ('I am going to write about solar energy').
• Including a sentence that drifts off the main idea (e.g. a line about coal mining history in the solar paragraph).
• Ending without a concluding sentence, so the paragraph stops abruptly.

How MU asks it

Typical forms: 'Explain the structure of a paragraph with an example' (4 to 5 marks) or 'Write a paragraph on the given topic' (5 marks). Label the three parts, explain unity and coherence, and give a well-built example paragraph of 80 to 120 words. In a writing task, examiners look for a clear topic sentence and a proper conclusion.