Hi Winni, here is some vocabulary which will be useful for you to start new paragraphs with in your formal writing, depending on what you are writing about: 1. In addition: moreover, further, furthermore, besides, likewise, also, too, again, in addition, equally important, next, first of all, finally. 2.Contrast: yet, however, still, nevertheless, however, on the other hand, on the contrary, after all, at the same time 3.Comparison: similarly, likewise, in like manner 4.Purpose: to this end, for this purpose, with this object in mind 5.Result: hence, therefore, accordingly, consequently, thus, thereupon, wherefore 6.Time: meanwhile, at length, immediately, soon, afterwards 7.Place: here, beyond, near, opposite to, adjacent to, on the opposite side 8.Summary: in brief, on the whole, in short, in other words, to be sure, as has been noted, for example, for instance, in fact, indeed, in any event.

In formal, no. You can use things like "first, second, finally" to replace "and". "Although, furthermore" can replace "but". There are many other words that can be used in formal writing. This is just an idea.