One paragraph should carry one idea. When two ideas share a paragraph, the marker may credit neither, because neither is developed.
How do you sort a mixed paragraph?
Use the sort-and-label method. Write a two-word label beside each sentence, then group sentences with the same label.
Each group becomes a paragraph. The most general sentence in the group usually becomes the topic sentence.
Worked example
Here is an original paragraph from an essay on whether schools should start later.
Students who start school at 8 a.m. often feel sleepy in first period. Later starts would also help families who live far from school, because the morning journey is less rushed. Sleep researchers say teenagers need more rest than adults. Bus routes could be planned with fewer early trips. Tired students make more mistakes in class.
Label each sentence.
| Sentence | Label |
|---|---|
| Students feel sleepy in first period | tiredness |
| Families who live far benefit | travel |
| Teenagers need more rest | tiredness |
| Bus routes with fewer early trips | travel |
| Tired students make more mistakes | tiredness |
Two labels mean two paragraphs. The tiredness paragraph opens with “Starting later would help students stay alert” and holds sentences 1, 3 and 5. The travel paragraph opens with “A later start would also ease travel for families” and holds sentences 2 and 4.
What does the common mistake look like?
The student writes points in the order they occur to them, so tiredness and travel alternate. The essay feels like a list of thoughts, and the marker cannot tell which point is being argued.
The correct approach is to decide the paragraph’s single point before writing the paragraph. Every sentence then has to pass one test: does this support my point, or a different one?
Steps to follow
- Write a short label beside each sentence or note.
- Group same-label sentences together.
- Write a topic sentence for each group, then order the supporting sentences from strongest to weakest.
Self-check
This original paragraph mixes two ideas. Find them and say how many paragraphs it should become.
Online lessons save travel time. A student in Sabah can learn from a teacher anywhere. Worksheets should be printed before class so the student can write on them. Lessons also need a steady internet connection. Students should test their connection before the lesson starts.
Answer
Two ideas: the benefits of online lessons (sentences 1 and 2) and preparing for a lesson (sentences 3, 4 and 5). Sentence 4 is about the connection, so it belongs with preparation, not with benefits. It should become two paragraphs: one on benefits, one on preparation, each with its own topic sentence.
Where to go next
Once each paragraph has a single point, you can make it persuasive with connecting a claim with a reason and example. If your sentences are still breaking, return to writing a complete sentence. The BM essay plan builder applies the same structure to karangan, and the writing foundations hub shows the sequence.