There are many different reasons for starting a new paragraph. The introduction to a paper should be a separate paragraph from the rest of the paper. A new paragraph should start whenever you introduce a new idea into the paper or whenever the topic of the paper changes. Transition Sometimes, it may be helpful to use a short paragraph as a transition between two sections of a paper which contain different, but related topics. Conclusion When writing the conclusion of a paper, start a new paragraph.
Emphasis Begin a new paragraph in order to emphasize an important idea or statement.
Varying the length of paragraphs New paragraphs can be started in order to maintain the reader's interest. Short paragraphs can set main ideas apart from minor ideas, and related paragraphs can be joined to make a longer paragraph. Using a long example or set of facts Start a new paragraph to emphasize a long example or set of facts. It may be helpful to first write down the main ideas of your paper or to create an outline which maps out the main points you will be writing about. A new paragraph should begin each time one of these main ideas or points in the outline is introduced into the paper.