PARAGRAPHSPARAGRAPHS

How to structure your whole How to structure your whole essay.essay.

How to structure your How to structure your paragraphs.paragraphs.

THE WHOLE STRUCTURETHE WHOLE STRUCTUREIntroductionIntroductionState your topic. Tell us why you chose it. Define key terms. State your State your topic. Tell us why you chose it. Define key terms. State your overall approach to the topic. Be fairly generalised. Hint at the points you overall approach to the topic. Be fairly generalised. Hint at the points you will make.will make.

SSEEXXYY

SSEEXXYY

You can have more SEXY paragraphs if you have more points to You can have more SEXY paragraphs if you have more points to make.make.

ConclusionConclusionSummarise your points and make a final statement to emphasise your pov Summarise your points and make a final statement to emphasise your pov

Each box represents a paragraph

PARAGRAPH WRITINGPARAGRAPH WRITING

A paragraph is a block of text about A paragraph is a block of text about one idea. one idea.

A paragraph usually has more than A paragraph usually has more than one sentence.one sentence.

There are no lines left as “space” There are no lines left as “space” within a paragraph.within a paragraph.

A paragraph usually A paragraph usually developsdevelops an an idea.idea.

HOW TO BUILD A HOW TO BUILD A PARAGRAPHPARAGRAPH

SStatementEstablishes the main idea. Makes a statement to attack the topic.

EExplanationExpands/elaborates/develops/unpacks/clarifies the

idea.

XeXampleGives examples/facts/

quotations/proof/evidence/details

YYou add…Give your opinion, explain the significance of the

idea, explain the example, state why your point is

relevant…

Each letter here represents one

sentence.

PRACTISE SEXY PRACTISE SEXY READINGREADING

SDogs are generally regarded as man’s best

friend.

EThey are intelligent and faithful, as well as being easily trained to obey, unlike other pets such as cats or goldfish.

XGuide dogs, sheep dogs, show dogs or just ordinary mutts: they all have a place in someone’s home and heart.

YThey will be your friends for life and repay over and over the attention you give them.

MORE PRACTICEMORE PRACTICE

Dogs are generally regarded as man’s best friend. They are intelligent and faithful, as well as being easily trained to obey, unlike other pets such as cats or goldfish. Guide dogs, sheep dogs, show dogs or just ordinary mutts: they all have a place in someone’s home and heart. They will be your friends for life and repay over and over the attention you give them.

• Look at the whole paragraph without the SEXY chart to reveal the structure

EVEN MORE PRACTICEEVEN MORE PRACTICE

Now YOU write a paragraph which Now YOU write a paragraph which shows dogs in a more negative way.shows dogs in a more negative way.

WHICH ORDER DO THESE WHICH ORDER DO THESE SENTENCES GO IN?SENTENCES GO IN?

Soil was beginning to dry out. Although spring crops are 4-6 weeks ahead of those of last winter, rain was needed to maintain the growth and to top up reservoirs.

Recent rain has been welcomed in Otago by many

farmers.

Ultimately, famers expect the better quality grass to fatten this seasons’ lambs.

Six millilitres of rain fell in Central Otago last week, while South Otago enjoyed 10 ml. Coastal areas, however, gained very little.

ANSWER 1ANSWER 1

EESoil was beginning to dry out. Although spring crops are 4-6 weeks ahead of those of last winter, rain was needed to maintain the growth and to top up reservoirs.

SSRecent rain has been welcomed in Otago by many farmers.

YYUltimately, famers expect the better quality grass to fatten this seasons’ lambs.

XXSix millilitres of rain fell in Central Otago last week, while South Otago enjoyed 10 ml. Coastal areas, however, gained very little.

WHAT ABOUT THESE?WHAT ABOUT THESE?

The Ministry of Health may find that within the next decade, if funding is not increased, health services have to be cut.

Although an increase in weight may not seem so serious at a younger age, it will not only cause many problems for adults but also stretch the services of hospitals and GPs.

The rapid rise in childhood obesity will have serious consequences for New Zealand’s health system.

Type 2 diabetes, asthma, strokes and kidney failure are some of the potentially fatal diseases.

ANSWER 2ANSWER 2

YYThe Ministry of Health may find that within the next decade, if funding is not increased, health services have to be cut.

EEAlthough an increase in weight may not seem so serious at a younger age, it will not only cause many problems for adults but also stretch the services of hospitals and GPs.

SSThe rapid rise in childhood obesity will have serious consequences for New Zealand’s health system.

XXType 2 diabetes, asthma, strokes and kidney failure are some of the potentially fatal diseases.

USING SEXY USING SEXY PARAGRAPHSPARAGRAPHS

I can write an essayI can write an essay by making a sequence by making a sequence of paragraphs.of paragraphs.

I can plan an essay quicklyI can plan an essay quickly in a test or in a test or exam by writing down only the Ss in a exam by writing down only the Ss in a planning box. I can fill in the EXY as I write planning box. I can fill in the EXY as I write each paragraph.each paragraph.

I can speed readI can speed read a text to gain an overview a text to gain an overview by reading only the introductory paragraph, by reading only the introductory paragraph, the topic sentences (usually the first sentence the topic sentences (usually the first sentence in every paragraph) and the conclusion.in every paragraph) and the conclusion.

I can take notesI can take notes from paragraphs in by from paragraphs in by using SEXY reading.using SEXY reading.