Does each paragraph contribute to the essay by supporting the overall subject or central idea? Is each paragraph unified around one central idea that is clearly stated in a topic sentence?

Sergeant Assessment Writing Essay

You can check the strength of your body paragraphs by asking yourself the following questions:
1) Does each paragraph contribute to the essay by supporting the overall subject or central idea?
2) Is each paragraph unified around one central idea that is clearly stated in a topic sentence?
3) Are the paragraphs’ sentences coherent and follow a clear line of reasoning?
4) Is the general idea of each paragraph well developed and supported by specific evidence such as details, facts, examples, and reasons?

A paragraph fails to deliver when its sentences lurch from topic to topic and convey loosely related information. Be sure that your sentences fit logically and smoothly into one another, like the links in a chain. Body paragraphs should fall between 5-7 sentences.