A Guide to Paragraph

Writing

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph usually contains a general idea in one sentence, and 4 - 6 supporting sentences which expand this idea by giving explanations and examples to support the main idea.

On the page, the paragraph is a solid block of writing. To start a new paragraph, you should leave a whole line and start at the beginning of the line after.

Why use paragraphs? Paragraphs makes your writing easier to read

and makes the page look more interesting.

Paragraphs start with a new idea and then have several following sentences which elaborate on the idea or topic.

The skilful use of linking words in paragraphs helps vary your sentence structure and improves your writing style.

Begin a new paragraph when:

You introduce a new idea

You discuss a different angle of the topic

Time has passed

There is a change of speaker

Prewriting paragraphs Think carefully about what you are going to write.

Collect facts related to your paragraph topic.

Write down your own ideas. Find the main idea of your paragraph. Organize your facts and ideas in a way that develops

your main idea.

Editing paragraphs Check your spelling and grammar.

Make sure your paragraph has a topic statement.

Make sure your supporting sentences focus on the main idea.

Make sure you have a closing statement.

Ensure that your paragraph is interesting and makes sense.

Use a ‘style’

Our style will be SEXC:

Statement

Explanation

Example

Conclusion

Statement

The statement is the first sentence in a paragraph.

It introduces the main idea of the

paragraph.

It indicates to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Explanations

Explain to the reader exactly what you meant in your statement.

Examples

Support your explanations showing the reader what you say is actually true.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the last sentence in a paragraph.

It restates the main idea of your paragraph using different words.

Put this paragraph in order:

Finally, New Zealand's cities are clean and efficiently managed. There are many reasons why New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world. As a result, New Zealand is a desirable place to live.

All New Zealanders have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Also, New Zealand has a high standard of education. New Zealand cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live.Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university.Firstly, New Zealand has an excellent health care system.

I hope this is your paragraph:

There are many reasons why New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world. Firstly, New Zealand has an excellent health care system. All New Zealanders have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Also, New Zealand has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, New Zealand's cities are clean and efficiently managed. New Zealand cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, New Zealand is a desirable place to live.

Statement:

An interpersonal protective factor that has influenced Fred’s ability to manage change is that he has a great group of friends and girlfriend, who are always there for him and support him.

Explanation:

This enhances his ability to manage change because it creates a social support network for Fred. This links to the social determinant of health. Fred can be honest and open with his friends which makes him feel loved and supported.

Example:

When Fred was finding communication hard with his mum he talked about it with Kerry and she helped him to see the situation from his mums point of view.

Conclusion:

Therefore as well as being there to offer Fred support his friends and girlfriend are actually helping Fred to develop his communication and social skills to more successfully manage this change situation.

One Whole ParagraphAn interpersonal protective factor that has influenced Fred’s ability to manage change is that he has a great group of friends and girlfriend, who are always there for him and support him. This enhances his ability to manage change because it creates a social support network for Fred. This links to the social determinant of health. Fred can be honest and open with his friends which makes him feel loved and supported. When Fred was finding communication hard with his mum he talked about it with Kerry and she helped him to see the situation from his mums point of view. Therefore as well as being their to offer Fred support his friends and girlfriend are actually helping Fred to develop his communication and social skills to more successfully manage this change situation.

Your turn

Pick one of the other risk or protective factors we identified in Fred’s scenario.

Construct a paragraph using the ‘SEXC style’.

To make it easier break it down and do each section of the paragraph at a time.

Hand these in at the end of the period so that I can go through and give you some constructive feedback.

Put this paragraph in order:

My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. It is very wide, beautiful and full of big fish. On the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. First, it is noted for the cool Wheaton River. This tree stands 50 metres tall and is probably about 600 years old. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.The hill is unusual because it is very steep.

   My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the cool Wheaton River. It is very wide, beautiful and full of big fish. On the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill. The hill is unusual because it is very steep. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about 600 years old. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.

I hope this is your paragraph:

What makes Whitianga a popular tourist attraction?