Paragraphs

Test yourself

Paragraphs

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

Structure of paragraphs

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.

Things to comment on in your exam

The order of the ideas (paragraphs).
The number of paragraphs in a piece.
The length of the paragraphs.
How the paragraphs are structured.

Paragraph length

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.

When to 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.

1Key Terms

1.1Key Terms

1.1.1Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences

1.1.2Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types

1.1.3Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language

1.1.4Key Terms - Types of Language

1.1.5Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood

1.1.6Key Terms - Mood & Feelings

1.1.7Key Terms - Other Techniques

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Key Terms

2Language Devices

2.1Language Devices

2.1.1Metaphors

2.1.2Similes

2.1.3Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning

2.1.4Personification

2.1.5Pathetic Fallacy

2.1.6Puns & Oxymorons

2.1.7Hyperbole & Emotive Language

2.1.8Alliteration

2.1.9Sibilance

2.1.10Onomatopoeia

2.1.11Recap: Language Devices

2.1.12End of Topic Test - Language Devices

3Writing Structure

3.1Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators

3.1.2Paragraphs

3.1.3Tense

3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense

3.1.5Foreshadowing

3.1.6Structure

3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

4Section B: Reading & Writing

5Section C: Writing

5.1Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing

5.1.2Narrative Writing

5.1.3Descriptive Writing

5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

Jump to other topics