There are many ways to successfully structure and use paragraphs in an essay. Here’s one:
• The first sentence might show a link to the previous paragraph.
• Another sentence introduces the main theme of this paragraph (this is often called the topic sentence). This topic sentence can also come first in the paragraph.
• The next few sentences elaborate the point, perhaps by explaining more, giving supporting evidence or demonstrating differences or alternatives.
• The last sentence summarises the main point made in the paragraph.