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Paragraphs and cohesion
Examiners reward writing that is well organised. Clear paragraphs and smooth links between them make your writing easy to follow.
When to start a new paragraph
Remember TiPToP: a new paragraph for a change of Time, Place, Topic or Person.
In dialogue, a new paragraph each time a new person speaks.
In dialogue, a new paragraph each time a new person speaks.
Discourse markers
Cohesion
Link the end of one paragraph to the start of the next.
Use topic sentences in argument writing: the first sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Vary paragraph length. A one-line paragraph can create strong emphasis.
Use topic sentences in argument writing: the first sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Vary paragraph length. A one-line paragraph can create strong emphasis.
A story moves from a crowded beach at noon to an empty house that night. What should the writer do?
- The time changes (noon to night).
- The place changes (beach to house).
- So begin a new paragraph, perhaps with a time marker.
Answer: Start a new paragraph, for example: 'By nightfall, the house was silent.'
New paragraph for a change of time, place, topic or person. Use topic sentences and discourse markers to link ideas, and vary paragraph length for effect.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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