Paragraphing

Paragraphing

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences within a piece of writing which is written about the same idea or topic.

They are used in writing to introduce new sections of a story, characters or pieces of information. Paragraphs help readers to enjoy what has been written because they break text up into easy-to-read sections.

How to indicate or signal a paragraph

There are two main ways to indicate a paragraph.

Indenting: This is where the writer leaves a finger space before beginning to write.

Line spacing / line skipping:

This is where the writer skips a line when they are moving to a new paragraph. With this style, the writer does not leave a finger space.

NOTE: You have to stick to only one style of paragraphing. Mixing up the two styles in the same piece of writing is not acceptable.

This is an example of signalling paragraphs using indenting.

You can see that there is no line spacing between the paragraphs. The writer has used only one style.

In this example, the write has used line spacing to signal or indicate paragraphs.

You can see that the write has not used indents and so has not mixed the two styles.

When do you change to a new paragraph?

In Non-fiction texts, you change to a new paragraph when you are changing the topic.

Example: You are writing a non chronological report on frogs.

Paragraph 1 may be about their habitat

Paragraph 2 their appearance

paragraph 3 their feeding

Each paragraph is talking about a different thing.

Each paragraph talks about a specific thing about frog.

P1: What are frogs?

P2: Where are frogs found?

P3; What do frogs eat?

Non fiction texts may have sub-headings for each paragraph

When do you change to a new paragraph?

In fiction texts, paragraphs may change when there is:

a change in place / setting

a change in time

a change in character ( when a new character is introduced)

a new action

a new speaker (dialogue)

Example of a change in place / setting

Kofi sat on his rickety bed worrying about the whereabouts of his brother. Jojo was at home a moment ago but nowhere to be found now. He contemplated going to look for him but he had been warned to rest his injured leg. What was he going to do now?

In the forest Kofi's brother, Jojo, relaxed under a huge mango tree, feasting on the freshly fallen mango fruits.

Examples of change in time:

Adjoa jumped all over the house, screaming on the top of her voice. She has been accepted into the best school in her village. Her parents looked at her with a broad smiles on their face and glint in their eyes.

A year ago, it was a different story. Adjoa held her results in her hands, tears rolling down her eyes. She lowered her head and slumped to the floor, wailing on the top of her voice.

Other phrases you could use to change time:

later that day, a few hours ago, a month later

Change in character

James was the only student who had to bend to enter the classroom. He dwarfed the other students at play but his temper was no where close to his stature. Until you get to know him, his narrow eyebrows and huge bulging eyes presented him as a menace.

Sid on the other hand, could pass as the son of James. He was loved by all his friends and he was the toast of all the teachers. One would not associate any bad deeds with Sid but....

New action

The boys were eagerly pulling the fishing line. It felt like what ever was on the other end was huge. Beads of sweat rolled down their faces under the scorching afternoon sun. Their frantic activities drew attention from almost everyone by the river.

Suddenly, the girls began running and screaming in all directions. A crocodile had appeared behind the bushes where they were playing,

New speaker

With his hands on his hips , Jonas declared angrily at Kofi,pointing at the pale green exercise book lying on the desk. ''That’s my book,’' he declared.

Kofi straightened up and returned his friend’s gaze,''No it’s not,’' he replied, picking up the exercise book and holding it tightly to his chest.

Defiantly, Jonas moved forward ,his voice trembling with anger, '‘I saw you just take it from my desk.’'

How paragraphing and general organisation is marked in Checkpoint Exams.

Total possible marks = 7

No creditable response = 0 marks

Some basic sequencing with story ideas is evident. = 1 mark

How paragraphing and general organisation is marked in Checkpoint Exams.

Paragraphs/sections are evident with related

points together or linked by time sequence.

Some attempt is made to sequence relevant

ideas logically.

Some opening and closing of narrative may be evident.

Movement between paragraphs or sections may be disjointed.

2-3 marks

How paragraphing and general organisation is marked in Checkpoint Exams.

Paragraphs are used to help structure the

narrative, e.g. signal a change in time, place

and/or focus on a different character, where

the main idea is usually supported by following sentences.

Logical sequence with evident but inconsistent

attempts to link ideas with fitting openings and

Closings.

4-5 marks

How paragraphing and general organisation is marked in Checkpoint Exams.

Clear structure with well-organised ideas within paragraphs.

Paragraphs are used to structure the narrative

e.g. there is an appropriate build up and

resolution of the main event.

Chronological or logical links help the

development of ideas.

Cohesion within paragraphs is achieved using devices such as connectives.

6-7 marks