Do you have to start a new paragraph when...?

Question

Hey, I'm writing a report and I'm listing things down like First, Second, Third, etc...
I just wanted to know if you have to start a new paragraph each time like:
First.......
*new paragraph* Second...
etc.

Answer 1

That depends entirely on how much you're expanding on each point. If you're just writing one sentence about each point, it would be more efficient to make bullet points. However, if you're going into detail of each of the points you're making, it's probably a good idea if you separate them into paragraphs. Also, if you do separate them into paragraphs, you might consider rewording your verbiage. Instead of saying First....Second.....ect., you might consider words like as well as, or Next, or In addition to. Try and see what works for you and what helps your paper to flow. You'll find a happy medium.

Answer 2

You do not always have to start a new paragraph when listing items in a "First... Second... Third... etc." format. A single paragraph is intended to group sentences together when those sentences are making a particular point. For example, if you are trying to make an argument (to defend a point of view with logical reasoning) which has a conclusion (necessary), two premises (an argument always requires at least one premise), and a sub-argument which serves as a third premise, then you would want to establish in one paragraph, any and all background information which is directly related to and important to the main argument and/or the sub-argument. Then in another paragraph you would detail the sub-argument itself, with it's conclusion and premise(s). Then in yet another paragraph you would detail the final argument. The order in which you place these three paragraphs is largely irrelevant... while the style of their arrangement may lend more dramatic power to the "feel" of the argument, the argument itself is unaffected.

So in your report, if you are trying to list these items as premises to a single argument in an attempt to defend a specific point of view (such as your personal opinions for example), then listing them in the same paragraph is totally acceptable.

Or, to put it another way, a paragraph is supposed to contain a "train of thought". Now, where a sentence is supposed to contain a single thought, a paragraph, as a "train of thought", is a grouping of sentences who's thoughts are directly connected and related to one another (like a train). If your "First" is a thought, and your "Second" is another thought which is directly related to the "First", then a new paragraph is unnecessary. If, on the other hand, your "First" is a set of connected thoughts -- a "train of thought" -- and your "Second" is a distinctly different set of connected thoughts -- a "train of thought" traveling in a different direction than the "First" -- then you would need a new paragraph.

It is also possible to have a situation where your "First" and "Second" are related thoughts in a single "train of thought" and would be included together in a single paragraph, and then your "Third" and "Fourth" would be new "trains of thought" and would justify their own paragraphs.

For more information, you might also want to take a quick look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paragraph

Answer 3

It certainly makes it a lot easier for the reader if you start a new paragraph with each "first," "second," "third," etc. It's much easier on the eyes, looks much more organized, and makes it a lot easier to find, for example, "third," if you're on "eighth," and you want to double-check something the writer stated as a reason/category (or whatever it is that you are listing) earlier on.
Also, a lot of white space, which is achieved by short paragraphs, gives any page a lot "friendlier" look; very long paragraphs makes a reader tired before s/he even starts.
Hopes this help. Good luck - :)

Answer 4

I was a teacher for 25 yrs. I get cross when people say you don't need grammar. Why?
Because GRAMMAR means COURTESY means being polite.

Imagine some person 500 yrs from now, they are excited because they find some old documents
These documents contain YOUR work.
Before the small population left on Earth they introduce the documents and try to read them.

How? Well they have still got grammar rules and know that commas mean one can PAUSE for breath; they know that quote marks mean some-one is speaking.
They do not understand your work yet and need to break it down into topics to work on.
They know that a PARAGRAPH means a NEW topic. So because you wrote a NEW paragraph for each new topic they can work out what your work means

REMEMBER
GRAMMAR is COURTESY
ALWAYS USE rules of Grammar
including a NEW paragraph for eah topic.
If my story seems silly - THINK - remember this is how historians/scientists learnt to read Hyeroglyphics and learnt about Ancient Egypt - the pyramids etc.

Thanks from an OLD LADY 4 STILL CARING enough to ASK

Answer 5

Yes, you should begin a new paragraph with each new point you make. Also remember that you should have seperate paragraphs for the intro and the conclusion.

Another thought to keep in mind: Don't start each paragraph with "First", "Second", and so on. Try to change it up a little, so the essay will sound more 'natural'.

Hope this helps!!

Answer 6

No. You can First, Second, Third and Finally in one paragraph.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

it's always best to start a new paragraph when you begin a new thought.

so, if you are making a list "First I went to the store, then I went to the gas station..." no

but if you're making major points such as "First, we see this is wrong because..." with a few sentences supporting this, then yes.

Answer 9

I think it would be better if u did but i dont think u have to...

Answer 10

No, I don't believe so.