What is a Paragraph?

1. What is a Paragraph? • A group of sentences with a common theme • A natural division in writing • A very important feature of good style

2. When do we start a new Paragraph? • To introduce a new idea • To introduce a change of time or place • When somebody says something

3. How many sentences are there in a paragraph? • Usually more than one • There are often about four or five • There are no strict rules

4. Where will I see paragraphs? • In newspapers • In magazines • In letters • In stories

5. Why are Paragraphs important? • They make text look good • Paragraphs show care has been taken on presentation • They make text easier to understand because the main points can be picked out more easily

6. How can I link paragraphs? By using linking words and phrases To show contrast – on the other hand To show agreement – also To add ideas to – as well as, in addition To show chronological order – firstly, after that, later, then

7. Look at these two pieces of writing. Which one is set out in paragraphs? When I was 16 years old I went to college. I didn’t like it very much because there were too many people about. I got lost in the corridors and I couldn’t find my locker. After a few days I started to get used to it. I was given a map to find my way around. Now I have been there for over a year. Some new students are coming in next week. I shall be helping to show them around. That’s progress! When I was 16 years old I went to college. I didn’t like it very much because there were too many people about. I got lost in the corridors and I couldn’t find my locker. After a few days I started to get used to it. I was given a map to find my way around. Now I have been there for over a year. Some new students are coming in next week. I shall be helping to show them around. That’s progress!

8. Look at the piece more carefully. What helped you to decide that it contained paragraphs? When I was 16 years old I went to college. I didn’t like it very much because there were too many people about. I got lost in the corridors and I couldn’t find my locker. After a few days I started to get used to it. I was given a map to find my way around. Now I have been there for over a year. Some new students are coming in next week. I shall be helping to show them around. That’s progress!

9. When I was 16 years old I went to college. I didn’t like it very much because there were too many people about. I got lost in the corridors and I couldn’t find my locker. After a few days I started to get used to it. I was given a map to find my way around. Now I have been there for over a year. Some new students are coming in next week. I shall be helping to show them around. That’s progress! These words ‘When’ ‘After’ ‘Now’ The indentation What helped me to decide?

10. You can now practice • Writing text using paragraphs • Writing letters using paragraphs • Use linking words in paragraphs • Picking out the most important points in paragraphs

11. Well Done! You have worked hard Your tutor will give you more practice in writing paragraphs You should be able to pick out paragraphs when you are reading the newspapers or magazines Try it for yourself