Using paragraphs effectively
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use paragraphs accurately and effectively in my writing to reveal details about a character.
Key learning points
- We use paragraphs to organise our ideas clearly.
- Paragraphs are needed when you introduce a new topic, time, place or person.
- Paragraphs should be cohesive in between shifts.
- Slowly revealing information about a character across multiple paragraphs creates suspense.
Keywords
Cohesive - in fiction writing this means the ideas fit together
Accurate - correct in all details; without mistake
Suspense - a feeling of anxiousness or uncertainty
Paragraph - a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single idea or topic
TiPToP - stands for: time, person, topic, place
Common misconception
Some pupils might think it doesn't always matter where paragraphs go as long as the text is broken up in places.
Effective paragraphing is important to the reader's experience of the text. It helps them to follow what they're reading more easily and well crafted paragraphs allow the writer to reveal information in a way that suits their writing best.
Teacher tip
You may want to build in additional time for pupils to write up their plans from LC2 or set this is an additional homework task.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the example model answer which is available in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which method is used by writers to highlight the contrast between two characters?
Q2.What does the term ‘reflect’ mean in the context of character description?
Q3.Which of the following is the best example of sensory imagery?
Q4.Which verb would best convey a character's anger in dialogue?
Q5.In writing, what does ‘vivid’ mean when describing a setting?
Q6.What is a common mistake when using paragraphs to describe a character?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of using paragraphs effectively in writing?
Q2.Which of the following is not a component of the TiPToP structure?
Q3.How should information about a character be revealed across multiple paragraphs to build suspense?
Q4.Put the suggested outline for revealing information about a malevolent character in order, starting with the first.
Q5.What is the following a definition of? 'In fiction writing, this means the ideas fit together.'
Q6.What does 'cohesion' in writing refer to?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Using paragraphs effectively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Using paragraphs effectively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Malevolent characters: fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.