ESOL Wt/E3.2a Structure main points in short paragraphs
Structure main points of writing in short paragraphs
(i) Understand the concept of paragraphing, e.g. as a way of grouping main points
Example: There are many interesting features about my country Chile. To start with, it is a long and narrow strip of earth. It is 4200km long. To the west is the Pacific Ocean (not so peaceful as the name suggests). To the east are the Andes mountains, Argentina and Bolivia, and to the north is Peru.
Although Chile has a lot of space, there are only about 12 million inhabitants. One third, or 4 million, are in the capital, Santiago.
(ii) Show awareness that paragraphs normally consist of more than one sentence
(iii) Show awareness that paragraphs can be arranged under headings in certain sorts of text, e.g. reports
Example: Observation Report
Certificate in Playgroup Practice
1) Introduction
This is a record of a visit to a Mother and Toddler Group, 'Dolly Mixtures', on 24 May 2001 in the Scout Hut, Barnsley Road.
2) Description
There are 15 children on the register, aged between 16 months and 3 years. The sessions start at 9.30am and finish at 11.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The parents or carers are present while the children attend.
(iv) Make links between paragraphs clear, both through the way they are sequenced and through the use of key words and phrases, e.g. in the first place, in addition, however, finally
(v) Show awareness of key aspects of basic paragraphing structure, e.g. topic sentence or general statement followed by expansion or explanation and/or examples
(vi) Organise writing without the use of paragraph structure, where appropriate
Example: Write poems, e.g.:
She
She is like the air
You need it to breathe
But it runs away from you
When you embrace it
She is like the water
Like the water you drink...
(Rosa, ESOL student, Enfield College, translation from Carlos Vives)
