The document provides guidance on writing paragraphs and short essays. It discusses that paragraphs should be well-structured and coherent to effectively communicate ideas. A 200-word essay typically contains 3-5 paragraphs, while a 250-word essay needs a minimum of 3 paragraphs but no more than 5-6 paragraphs. The five-paragraph essay structure includes an introduction, 3 body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a conclusion. Functional paragraphs in essays transition between points, engage the reader, or indicate dialogue.