The essay writer uses a mixture of direct quotes and summaries of arguments.

7. In the case of longer essays, written as coursework, planning will normally be a two-stage process: a before reading: using the title to develop an outline structure b after reading: modifying the outline and adding detail Study the plan below. Suggest how it could be modifiedimproved. Title: Analyse the role of the private sector in the modern English education system. a 550,000 children at private schools in England Wales b Negative effects on state system – better pupils removed c 7 of all pupils in England Wales attend private schools d Reasons for using private sector, e.g. smaller classes, better results in exams e 20 of university intake from private schools f Positive effects on state system – fewer pupils to teachprovides competition Ideas Plan Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of texts. Well-organised paragraphs not only help readers understand the argument; they also help writers to structure their ideas effectively. 1. Read the following paragraph. The way we use banks is currently changing. This is partly because of the introduction of new technology in the last ten years. The personal computer and the internet, for instance, allow customers to view their accounts at home and perform operations such as moving money between accounts. At the same time banks are being reorganised in ways that affect both customers and staff. In the past five years over 3,000 bank branches have closed in Britain. The banks have discovered that staffing call centres is cheaper than running a branch network. The structure of the paragraph is: 1. topic sentence The way we use banks … 2. reason This is partly because … 3. example The personal computer … 4. details At the same time banks … 5. further details In the past five … 6. reason The banks have discovered … 2. A paragraph is a collection of sentences that deal with one subject. All paragraphs contain a topic sentence, which is often, but not always, the first. Other components vary according to the nature of the topic. Introductory paragraphs often contain definitions, and descriptive paragraphs include a lot of detail. Other sentences give examples and offer reasons and restatements. 3. Read and analyse the following paragraph. In recent years all British universities have adopted the semester system. A semester is a period of time which lasts for half the academic year. Semester 1, for example, starts in September and finishes in January. Previously the academic year had been divided into three terms: autumn, winter and spring. Most courses consist of modules that last for one semester, and exams are held at the end of each. Britain began using semesters to make it easier for international students to move from one country to another.

1. 2.

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11. Organising Paragraphs

2.4 Definitions 2.6 Examples cross reference 4. The sentences below make up a paragraph, but have been mixed up. Use the table to re-write the sentences in the correct order. a For many centuries it has been the centre of the country’s economic, cultural and social life. b 500 years ago it had become a major river port for ships trading with Europe. c Its dominance is due to its strategic site near the lowest crossing point of the River Thames. d London has been the English capital for over 1000 years.

1. topic 2. restatement

3. reason 4. detail

5. The sentences below form a paragraph, but they have been mixed up. Rewrite them in the box overleaf in the correct order and analyse the paragraph structure. a This was because of problems with the roof design. b Mark Roberts will watch a display of jazz dance and disco. c The opening has been delayed by almost three months. d The new Leisure Centre will be opened on May 15th by the Sports Minister. e The architects are currently being sued for £2 m. by the local council. 2.2 Cohesion cross reference