Only number three is good.

Number one is only one (very long) sentence.

Number two lacks a topic sentence, and states a number of ideas without developing any of them - it is typical of the disjointed writing of a desperate student at four in the morning trying to meet a deadline.

Number four is similar to number two, though more coherent as at least all the sentences concern Hegel. This means it is really a list not a paragraph. Each of the sentences would make a good topic sentence stating an idea to be developed in a paragraph. The first could introduce a paragraph discussing Hegel's influence on Marx, the second his family background, the third his interest in Rousseau and Kant, etc.

In Number five, the topic sentence is too long. It states a potentially interesting idea but the paragraph does not develop it. The original paragraph, in fact, continued for a further two sentences. (Click here if you would like to see how.)

Number three is good because it is coherent, having an identifiable topic and main point. What are they?

Click here for the answer.

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