Paragraph- and Text-Level Structure

what is paragraph and text-level structure?

the organisation of ideas within paragraphs and across an entire text

structure guides the reader through the text and helps achieve the writer’s purpose

paragraph

a group of related sentences that develop one main idea

paragraphs organise information into clear, manageable sections

paragraph development

writers develop paragraphs by:

• explaining ideas

• giving examples

• providing evidence

• adding description

• making comparisons

effective development makes ideas clearer and more convincing

topic sentence

the sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph

helps readers understand the focus of the paragraph

cohesion

the ways parts of a text are linked together

examples:

• repetition

• reference

• conjunctions

• lexical chains

creates a smooth flow between ideas and paragraphs

text progression

the order in which information is presented throughout a text

common patterns:

• chronological

• logical

• problem-solution

• general to specific

• specific to general

guides readers through the writer’s ideas

introduction

the opening section of a text that establishes the topic, purpose or context

captures attention and prepares the reader for what follows

conclusion

the final section of a text that brings ideas to a close

reinforces the main message and leaves a lasting impression

signposting

using words or phrases to guide readers through a text

examples:

• firstly

• however

• therefore

• finally

helps readers follow the sequence of ideas

structural emphasis

placing important information in noticeable positions within a text

examples:

• opening paragraph

• final paragraph

• short standalone paragraph

draws attention to key ideas and increases their impact

effects of paragraph and text-level structure

structure can:

• organise information

• create emphasis

• control pace

• build tension

• improve coherence

• guide the reader

effective organisation supports purpose and audience

how can paragraph and text-level structure be analysed?

consider:

• paragraph organisation

• development of ideas

• sequencing of information

• cohesion

• openings and endings

• structural emphasis

• contribution to purpose and audience

text-level structure shapes how readers understand and respond to the writer’s message