NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
Rule 5: Write Short Paragraphs
Keep paragraphs to six typed lines or less (approximately one inch deep), with
Introduction
approximately 90 words. Start each paragraph with a key point. Your reader should
identify the key points within the first 30 seconds of reading.
Use paragraph headers to help you organize ideas and keep readers on track. The
Use paragraph
headers table shows suggestions for paragraph headers.
If the purpose is to ...
Then use headers like ...
request something,
References.
Purpose.
Request. (The main point.)
Reasons.
Coordinating Instructions.
Point of contact (POC).
announce policy or standard
References.
operating procedures,
Purpose.
Policy or Procedure.
(The main
point.)
Scope.
Definitions.
Responsibilities.
Procedures.
Files.
POC.
recommend a course of action,
References.
Purpose.
Recommendation. (The main point.)
Discussion.
Alternatives.
Conclusion
POC.
Modify paragraph headers as needed to describe the point of the paragraph clearly.
Continued on next page
3-16
Writing Mechanics and Composition
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