2.2.1

Paragraphs

Test yourself

Paragraphs

You need to be able to write in paragraphs.

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Structure of paragraphs

  • Generally, each paragraph in a piece of writing contains one key point.
  • Writers often start paragraphs with hooks, which encourage readers to think about the main point of the paragraph.
  • The topic sentence is where a writer introduces their main point.
    • Writers will then expand on these sentences with evidence and examples.
  • Writers may end by leading into the following paragraph.
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Paragraph length

  • The length of a paragraph can be significant.
  • 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 emphasise a point.
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When to begin a new paragraph

  • You need to start a new paragraph when:
    • Location changes.
    • Time changes.
    • The action changes.
    • You introduce a new idea or character.
    • Someone starts speaking. When you are using dialogue, you need to start a new paragraph every time you change speaker.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

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