Create and break paragraphs with purpose in prose writing. [REVISE]
The traditional view of paragraph formation is that the writer keep each paragraph focused on one major idea. However, writers are far more fluid and stylistic in their paragraph formation.
As with sentences, paragraph variety is important; as well, paragraphs must be above all else purposeful.
One convention of journalism is keeping paragraphs very brief, no more than two or three sentences per paragraph—with some paragraphs being only one sentence. Contemporary writing of all kinds has gravitated toward brief paragraphs as well.
For an on-line resource addressing paragraphing, visit:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/
