This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Paragraphs
Section One — Writing Essays

It is easy to forget to start new paragraphs in an exam, but you must use them properly if you want to get a C or above.

Paragraphs Make Your Writing Clearer

1) A paragraph is a group of sentences. These sentences are about the same thing, or follow on from each other.

2) All of the sentences in a paragraph are related to each other.

3) You need to start a new paragraph every time something new has happened.

Start a New Paragraph Every Time Something Changes

Learn when you need to start new paragraphs

Remember, start a new paragraph whenever you change the person speaking, the people, the place or the time. You've got to do it to keep the examiners happy.

Paragraphs

Knowing when to use paragraphs will only get you so far.

To get an A*, A or В you've got to make your paragraphs flow on from each other.

Each Paragraph Needs a Clear Topic

Paragraphs Need to be Linked

You've got to link up every paragraph with the one before and the one after.

Use words and phrases like these to make the link clear:

Paragraphs Should Follow a Clear Order

Order your paragraphs so that there's a clear progression. You'll get more marks if they flow smoothly.

SOME IDEAS

✵ Paragraphs are often ordered chronologically (in time order).

✵ They can also be put in order of importance.

✵ You could give paragraphs for an argument then paragraphs against.

✵ Spatial order works well with descriptions, e.g. describe a scene from top to bottom — the sky down to the ground.

It's up to you how you order your paragraphs. Read through them and see whether they make sense in the order you've put them in.

Paragraphs — just do it

Paragraphs give structure to your essay and break it into separate points so it's easier for the examiner to read — which is great. I can't emphasise enough how important it is to use them.