3.5.1 Elements of effective writing

• The paragraph as a unit of thought
• Topic sentences, supporting details and concluding sentences
• Unity and coherence in a paragraph
• Linking words and transitions
• Paragraph length and when to start a new one

• write a paragraph with a clear topic sentence and supporting details
• maintain unity and coherence within a paragraph
• use linking words to connect ideas
• decide correctly when to begin a new paragraph

“What decides where one paragraph ends and the next begins?”

The titles are open to everyone. Reading a lesson needs an account — sign in or create one.

1. Building a paragraph
   40 min · 2 practice tasks · quiz
   One idea, developed properly, with every sentence earning its place.
2. Linking and organising
   40 min · 2 practice tasks · quiz
   Signposting the connections between ideas, and deciding where paragraphs break.
3. Keeping a paragraph to one idea
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Testing every sentence against the topic sentence, and cutting what belongs elsewhere.
4. Building a short piece from paragraphs
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Planning three paragraphs on one tech topic so each has unity, a link, and a reason to start.