Lesson 8 of 8
Common Paragraph Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most common paragraph mistakes are two ideas in one paragraph, a sentence that drifts from the topic, a last sentence that starts something new, and too many details.
Key idea: most paragraph problems come from one part doing the wrong job.
It starts on one idea and ends on another.
Fix: split it. Give each idea its own topic sentence.
Same subject, different idea.
Fix: read it next to your topic sentence. If it doesn't help prove the point, cut it.
The paragraph opens a new door right at the end.
Fix: rewrite it to come back to your topic.
So many details that the main idea disappears.
Fix: keep the details that build on your example. Cut the extras.
A story or a quote feels like a new topic, but it's an example of the same idea.
Fix: before you split, ask: is this a new idea, or more support for the one I have?
Watch me explain itThe 9:13 to 9:58 section of my full T.E.D.L. video.
The hardest practice in the course. Take your time.
Round 1: Where should the second paragraph start?
All seven sentences are about the same person, but this should be two paragraphs. Click where the second one begins.
Round 2: One paragraph or two?
Rainy days are my favorite days to cook. When it storms, I make a big pot of soup and let it simmer all afternoon. The smell fills the whole apartment. Last year, during a three-day storm, I made enough chili to feed everyone on my floor. My neighbor still brings it up. Cooking on a gray day makes the weather feel cozy instead of gloomy.
Revise your paragraph
Check your paragraph against each mistake above, and fix what you find.
Check it:
Get feedback on it
Paste your finished paragraph into the TEDL Paragraph Writing Help Tool. It points out what to fix and coaches you through it. It won't rewrite it for you.
You finished the course.
You can write a full T.E.D.L. paragraph and fix the mistakes most writers miss. Use it until you can lose it.
Want a teacher to read your writing?
Take the free 12-minute English test. It ends with a short paragraph, and I read every one and follow up with what I noticed.