Literacy Focus How and why do we use paragraphs?

Why do we use paragraphs? Paragraphs are an important part of structuring any essay, story or extended piece of writing. Using paragraphs means you can: build and develop ideas throughout your writing Keep your writing clear and easier to understand/read

For example… You should start a new paragraph in your writing if: You change the subject you are writing about A new person is speaking, in your writing

So… We all love different things in life. Some people love food, some people love money and some people love power. “I think I love food the most,” said Suzanne. Her favourite food was chocolate. “I would have to disagree, you can’t get anywhere without money,” said Phillip. He was always obsessed with cash. Then there are the things we all hate. Some people hate spiders, some people hate getting up early, and some people even hate love! becomes…

We all love different things in life. Some people love food, some people love money and some people love power. “I think I love food the most,” said Suzanne. Her favourite food was chocolate. “I would have to disagree, you can’t get anywhere without money,” said Phillip. He was always obsessed with cash. Then there are the things we all hate. Some people hate spiders, some people hate getting up early, and some people even hate love! a different person is speaking the subject has been changed a new person is speaking

Things to remember… Paragraphs often include: A Topic Sentence (A sentence explaining what subject the paragraph is going to be about) A Connective (to help the you build on a point in your writing, like ‘however’, ‘although’ or ‘similarly’ A Summary (a shortened version of the main purpose of the paragraph)

So… I think honest people always make the best friends. You know you can trust them, and they will never lie to you. In addition to this, you can rely on an honest person to tell it like it really is, if you’re doing something wrong. Therefore, an honest friend makes you a better person as well as keeping you company! ‘In addition to this’ is the connective. The last sentence is the summary. This is the Topic Sentence

Have a go… How would you structure this piece of writing into paragraphs? Can you identify the Topic Sentences, connectives and summaries? It’s far too cold in this country. Sometimes I have to wear two pairs of gloves when I go outside, just to stop my fingers from freezing! Although last year I remember it being so hot that I drank 5 bottles of water in one day! Usually, it feels like winter all year-long! “You’ll catch a cold!,” my Mum always shouts when she sees me out in the garden. I often have to go out there to get the cat away from the goldfish pond. “I’ll be in in a minute!,” I always shout back. I’m not sure what’s more important, saving the cat or keeping myself warm!

Have a go… It’s far too cold in this country. Sometimes I have to wear two pairs of gloves when I go outside, just to stop my fingers from freezing! Although last year I remember it being so hot that I drank 5 bottles of water in one day! Usually, it feels like winter all year-long! “You’ll catch a cold!,” my Mum always shouts when she sees me out in the garden. I often have to go out there to get the cat away from the goldfish pond. “I’ll be in in a minute!,” I always shout back. I’m not sure what’s more important, saving the cat or keeping myself warm! ‘Although’ is the connective. The last sentence is the summary. This is the Topic Sentence A new person is speaking. Another new person is speaking.