2.2.2

Paragraphs

Test yourself

Paragraphs

You need to be able to comment on how writers structure their paragraphs to shape meaning.

Illustrative background for How are paragraphs structured?Illustrative background for How are paragraphs structured? ?? "content

How are paragraphs structured?

  • Generally, each paragraph in a piece of writing contains one key point.
  • Writers often begin paragraphs with a topic sentence, which introduces the key point. They then expand on these sentences with evidence and examples.
  • Writers often end paragraphs with hooks, which encourage readers to think about the main point of the paragraph. Writers may also end by leading into the following paragraph.
Illustrative background for What to comment on in my GCSE English Language exam?Illustrative background for What to comment on in my GCSE English Language exam? ?? "content

What to comment on in my GCSE English Language exam?

  • The order of the ideas (paragraphs).
  • The number of paragraphs in a piece.
  • The length of the paragraphs.
  • How the paragraphs are structured.
Illustrative background for How long are paragraphs normally?Illustrative background for How long are paragraphs normally? ?? "content

How long are paragraphs normally?

  • Paragraphs can be lots of different lengths.
  • For example:
    • A writer may use a long paragraph to build up a detailed description of a setting.
    • A writer may use a one-sentence paragraph to emphasise a rhetorical question or to emphasise a point.
Illustrative background for When should I begin a new paragraph?Illustrative background for When should I begin a new paragraph? ?? "content

When should I begin a new paragraph?

  • You need to start a new paragraph when:
    • You start writing about a new idea.
    • You write about a new character.
    • The location changes.
    • The time changes.
    • The action or main theme changes.
    • Someone starts speaking. When you are using dialogue, you need to start a new paragraph every time you change the speaker.

Analysis of J.K. Rowling's use of Paragraphs

Harry felt, afterwards, that he should have known it was all too good to last. This is a one-sentence paragraph. The author uses a short paragraph to emphasise Harry's realisation and to build suspense for what will happen next.

Jump to other topics

1Key Terms

2Language Techniques

3Paper 1: Reading

4Paper 1: Writing

5Paper 2: Reading

6Paper 2: Writing

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