Planning, paragraphing and proofreading

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Notes de leçon

Why Plan Before You Write

Planning helps you organise ideas before drafting, so your writing has a clear direction.
It saves time later because you are less likely to forget key points or repeat yourself.
A plan acts as a map: you can see the order of your ideas and how they connect.
Good planning makes paragraphing easier because you already know where your main points begin and end.

Planning Tools

Spider diagrams put your main idea in the centre and branch out with related points.
Flow charts show the order of events or steps, useful for narratives or explanations.
Lists are quick and flexible: jot down all your ideas, then number them in the best order.
Choose the tool that fits your task — a spider diagram for exploring ideas, a flow chart for sequencing, a list for gathering points.

When to Start a New Paragraph: TiPToP

Use TiPToP to remember the four main reasons to start a new paragraph.
Time: a change in time (e.g. later that day, the next morning).
Place: a change in location (e.g. moving from the classroom to the playground).
Topic: a change in subject or idea.
Person: a change in who is speaking or who is the focus.

Topic Sentences

A topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph.
It tells the reader what the paragraph is about, acting like a mini-heading.
Everything else in the paragraph should support or explain the topic sentence.
A clear topic sentence helps your writing stay focused and makes it easier for the reader to follow.

Linking Paragraphs with Discourse Markers

Discourse markers are words or phrases that connect paragraphs and show how ideas relate.
Use them to signal addition (e.g. furthermore, moreover), contrast (e.g. however, on the other hand), cause (e.g. therefore, as a result), or sequence (e.g. firstly, next, finally).
They guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next.
Avoid overusing the same marker; vary them to keep your writing interesting.

Drafting, Editing and Proofreading

Drafting is your first full attempt — get your ideas down without worrying about perfection.
Editing means improving the content and structure: check that your paragraphs are in a logical order and that each has a clear topic sentence.
Proofreading is the final check for accuracy: spelling, punctuation, grammar and typing errors.
Proofread slowly, perhaps reading aloud or checking line by line, to catch mistakes you might otherwise miss.
Leave time between drafting and proofreading so you can see your work with fresh eyes.

What Makes a Good Paragraph

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of writing that deals with one particular point or idea.
It should have a clear focus: one main idea per paragraph.
Paragraphs help organise extended writing and make it easier to read.
In modern English, a new paragraph is usually shown by indenting the first line or by leaving a blank line between paragraphs.

Checking Paragraphs in Your Work

After drafting, review each paragraph: does it have a clear topic sentence?
Check that you have started a new paragraph when there is a change in time, place, topic or person.
Make sure linking words connect your paragraphs smoothly.
If a paragraph is very long, see if it covers more than one idea and could be split.
If a paragraph is very short, check whether it needs more explanation or could be combined with another.

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1.In the mnemonic TiPToP, which four changes signal that a new paragraph should begin?
Easy
- ATime, Place, Topic, Person
- BTitle, Plot, Tone, Pace
- CTheme, Idea, Purpose, Paragraph
- DTense, Punctuation, Topic, Point
2.Which sentence is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about the dangers of plastic waste in the ocean?
Easy
- APlastic waste in the ocean causes serious harm to marine life.
- BMany people recycle their plastic bottles every week.
- CThe ocean is very large and deep in most places.
- DI once saw a documentary about the sea.
3.A topic sentence usually appears at the beginning of a paragraph and introduces its main idea.
Easy
True or false?
4.Which sentence uses the correct homophone?
Medium
- AThe team played really well in the final.
- BThe team played really good in the final.
- CThe team played really we'll in the final.
- DThe team played really whale in the final.
5.Which punctuation mark is used to show that a letter or letters have been left out of a word, as in 'don't' or 'it's'?
Easy
- Aapostrophe
- Bcomma
- Ccolon
- Dhyphen
6.Which of the following are types of planning method for writing? (select all that apply)
Medium
- Aspider diagram
- Bflow chart
- Cbullet-point list
- Dproofreading
- Eredrafting
7.Put these stages of the writing process into the correct order, from first to last.
Medium
- Planning
- Drafting
- Editing
- Proofreading
8.Read this sentence: 'The dog wagged its tail.' Which statement about the word 'its' is correct?
Medium
- AIt is correct because 'its' is the possessive form, with no apostrophe.
- BIt is incorrect because possessives always need an apostrophe.
- CIt is incorrect because it should be 'it's', meaning 'it is'.
- DIt is correct because 'its' is a contraction of 'it is'.

Plus de questions

9.Match each punctuation mark to its main function.
Medium
- Comma
- Semicolon
- Colon
- Apostrophe
- Separates items in a list or marks a short pause
- Links two closely related independent clauses
- Introduces a list or explanation
- Shows possession or omission
10.Which of the following are ways of planning a piece of writing before you begin drafting? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ADrawing a spider diagram
- BWriting a flow chart
- CMaking a list of key points
- DCopying out the final version neatly
- EChecking the finished draft for spelling errors
11.Match each planning method to its main purpose.
Medium
- Spider diagram
- Flow chart
- List
- To show how ideas connect around a central topic
- To show the order in which events or steps will happen
- To record separate points quickly without showing links
12.Put these stages of producing a piece of writing into the correct order, from first to last.
Medium
- Planning ideas
- Writing a first draft
- Editing for clarity and effect
- Proofreading for accuracy
13.Which of the following are typical features of a well-written topic sentence? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AIt introduces the main idea of the paragraph
- BIt usually appears near the beginning of the paragraph
- CIt is broad enough to be developed in the sentences that follow
- DIt provides a detailed example with statistics
- EIt links back to the previous paragraph using a discourse marker
14.Which of the following are discourse markers that can link one paragraph to the next? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AHowever
- BFurthermore
- CMeanwhile
- DElephant
- EQuickly
15.Put these steps of proofreading a piece of writing into the most effective order.
Medium
- Read the whole piece once to check it makes sense
- Check sentence punctuation and capital letters
- Check spelling of common words
- Read the piece aloud to catch any remaining errors
16.Which of the following sentences use the correct homophone? (select all that apply)
Hard
- AThey're going to the park later.
- BThe dog wagged its tail.
- CI can't wait too see you.
- DYour the best student in the class.
- EIt's raining heavily outside.
17.Which version of the sentence is punctuated correctly?
Easy
- AIts going to rain later, so take your coat.
- BIt's going to rain later, so take your coat.
- CIts' going to rain later, so take your coat.
- DIt's going too rain later, so take your coat.
18.Read this sentence: 'The team celebrated their victory, they had worked hard all season.' Which punctuation mark should replace the comma to make the sentence correct?
Medium
- Aa semicolon (;)
- Ba colon (:)
- Ca dash (–)
- Dno change is needed
19.Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?
Medium
- AThe girls' bags were left in the classroom.
- BThe girl's bags were left in the classroom.
- CThe girls bag's were left in the classroom.
- DThe girls bags' were left in the classroom.
20.In the sentence 'Although it was raining, we decided to walk to the park', what is the function of the word 'Although'?
Medium
- AIt introduces a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
- BIt joins two independent clauses of equal weight.
- CIt is a discourse marker that signals a new paragraph.
- DIt is an adverb modifying the verb 'decided'.
21.Which sentence is the most precise and effective way to write the idea that the weather made the match difficult?
Medium
- AThe match was hard because of the weather.
- BThe match was difficult due to the weather conditions.
- CThe relentless wind and driving rain made the match a struggle.
- DThe weather was bad and the match was not easy.
22.Which of the following sentences use punctuation correctly? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AWe bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
- BWe bought apples oranges and bananas.
- CWe bought apples, oranges and bananas.
- DWe bought apples, oranges, and, bananas.
- EWe bought apples oranges, and bananas.
23.Which of the following sentences contain a grammatical error? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AEach of the students have a copy of the book.
- BThe team is playing well this season.
- CNeither of the answers are correct.
- DThe box of chocolates were on the table.
- EShe and I are going to the library.
24.A semicolon can be used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
Easy
True or false?
25.The word 'their' is the correct homophone to use in the sentence 'The students put on their coats.'
Easy
True or false?
26.Read this extract from a student's story: "Maya crept along the corridor. The floorboards groaned under her feet. She froze. Somewhere above her, a door slammed." What is the main effect of the very short sentence 'She froze.'?
Medium
- AIt creates a sudden pause that mirrors Maya's stillness and builds tension.
- BIt shows that Maya is cold because the corridor is draughty.
- CIt introduces a new topic, so a new paragraph should begin there.
- DIt proves that Maya has been caught by the person upstairs.
27.Read this extract: "The old lighthouse stood at the edge of the cliff, its paint blistered and its windows blind." What does the word 'blind' most strongly suggest about the lighthouse?
Medium
- AIts windows are dark and no longer able to guide anyone.
- BIt has been fitted with curtains to block out the light.
- CIt is physically unable to see because it has no eyes.
- DIt has been painted a very dark colour.
28.Read this extract: "The market was closing. Traders folded their stalls like tired birds settling for the night. A single lamp flickered above the empty square." Which of the following statements about the extract are true? (select all that apply)
Hard
- AThe simile 'like tired birds' suggests the traders are weary at the end of the day.
- BThe extract moves from a general scene to a single detail, which helps to close the description.
- CThe word 'flickered' suggests the light is steady and reliable.
- DThe extract is written in the first person.
- EThe extract uses the past tense throughout.
29.In the sentence 'The wind howled through the empty streets', the word 'howled' is used figuratively to make the wind sound like an animal.
Easy
True or false?
30.Read this extract: "The stadium erupted. Thousands of voices became one roar, and the noise rolled around the stands like thunder." Which technique is used in 'the noise rolled around the stands like thunder'?
Medium
- AA simile comparing the noise to thunder.
- BA metaphor calling the noise thunder.
- CPersonification giving the stands a human voice.
- DAlliteration repeating the 's' sound.
31.Read this extract: "By the time the firefighters arrived, the bakery was already lost. Smoke poured from every window, and the smell of burnt sugar hung over the street for days." Which statement best describes the structure of the extract?
Medium
- AIt begins with the outcome and then adds sensory details that deepen the sense of loss.
- BIt lists events in strict chronological order from cause to effect.
- CIt presents two opposing views and then reaches a conclusion.
- DIt asks a question and then answers it in the second sentence.
32.Read this extract: "The letter lay unopened on the mat. Its edges were soft with rain, and the handwriting on the envelope was smudged beyond recognition." Which of the following can be inferred from the extract? (select all that apply)
Hard
- AThe letter has been outside in wet weather.
- BThe writer of the address cannot be identified from the envelope.
- CThe letter has already been read and put back on the mat.
- DSomeone has deliberately damaged the envelope.
- EThe letter is likely to be important to the reader.
33.Match each term to the correct description.
Medium
- Topic sentence
- Discourse marker
- Proofreading
- A sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
- A word or phrase such as 'however' or 'meanwhile' that links paragraphs
- Checking a piece of writing for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar
34.Which word class is the word 'quickly' in the sentence 'She quickly finished her homework'?
Easy
- AAdverb
- BAdjective
- CNoun
- DVerb
35.Which punctuation mark is used to indicate that a letter or letters have been omitted from a word, as in 'can't' or 'we're'?
Easy
- AApostrophe
- BComma
- CHyphen
- DSemicolon
36.In the sentence 'The children played happily in the garden', which word is the verb?
Medium
- Aplayed
- Bchildren
- Chappily
- Dgarden
37.Which of the following are punctuation marks? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AComma
- BSemicolon
- CAdjective
- DApostrophe
- EParagraph
38.Match each term to its correct definition.
Medium
- Topic sentence
- Discourse marker
- Pilcrow
- Proofreading
- The symbol ¶ used to mark a paragraph
- The sentence that states a paragraph's main idea
- Checking writing for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar
- A word or phrase that links one paragraph to the next
39.Match each paragraphing term to its correct meaning.
Medium
- paragraphos
- pilcrow
- initial
- widow
- A line placed beside a block of text by ancient scribes to mark a new section
- The typographic symbol ¶, historically placed at the start of a paragraph
- An oversized capital letter at the beginning of a paragraph
- A short last line of a paragraph that falls alone at the top of a new column or page
40.Which of the following statements about the history of paragraphing are true? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ACuneiform writing had no paragraphs and no spaces between words.
- BGreek and Latin documents were always written with clear paragraph breaks and punctuation.
- CEgyptian scribes used red ink for headings and black ink for the main text, a practice called rubrication.
- DThe pilcrow evolved from a stylised letter C standing for capitulum, meaning 'little head'.
- EModern English always indents the first paragraph of a piece of writing.
41.What name is given to a word such as 'however', 'furthermore' or 'meanwhile' that links one paragraph to the next?
Easy
42.Complete the sentence with the correct punctuation mark.
Medium
A ____ is used to introduce a list or an explanation after a complete clause.
43.Which punctuation mark is used to introduce a list, an explanation or a quotation?
Medium
44.Complete the sentence with the correct homophone for each gap.
Easy
The students were ____ excited about ____ trip, so ____ teacher let them leave early.
45.Complete the sentence by writing the correct punctuation mark in the gap.
Medium
A ____ is used to show that a letter or letters have been left out of a word, as in 'don't' or 'it's'.
46.Complete the sentence by writing the correct homophone in each gap.
Medium
The students put on ____ coats, then went to ____ classroom to collect ____ books.
47.In the mnemonic TiPToP, which single change does the second 'T' stand for?
Medium
48.What is the name of the typographic symbol (¶) historically used to mark the start of a new paragraph?
Hard
49.Complete the sentence with the correct term. A paragraph should deal with a single main idea; the sentence that states that idea is called the ___ sentence.
Medium
A paragraph should deal with a single main idea; the sentence that states that idea is called the ____ sentence.
50.Give the name of the typographic symbol (¶) that was historically placed at the start of a new subsection and is still used to mark paragraphs.
Medium
51.What name is given to the punctuation mark used to introduce a list, an explanation or a quotation?
Easy
52.Complete the sentence by choosing the correct homophone for each gap.
Medium
The dog wagged ____ tail because ____ were going for a walk.
53.Explain how a writer can use a topic sentence and a discourse marker to make a piece of writing clearer for the reader.
Hard
54.Explain how a writer can use planning before drafting to improve the clarity and accuracy of a piece of writing.
Hard
55.Read this extract: "The beach was empty except for a single deckchair, folded and leaning against the wall. Somewhere out at sea, a foghorn sounded." Explain how the writer creates a sense of loneliness in this extract. Refer to word choices and structure in your answer.
Hard
56.Explain how a writer can use a topic sentence and a discourse marker together to make a piece of writing clearer for the reader.
Hard
57.Explain how planning before drafting can improve the clarity and accuracy of a piece of writing.
Hard

Notes de révision

## Planning, Paragraphing and Proofreading ### Planning before you write - Try **spider diagrams**, **flow charts** or **lists** to gather and order ideas. - Plan *before* drafting so your writing has a clear shape. ### When to start a new paragraph — **TiPToP** Start a new paragraph when there is a change of: - **Ti**me - **P**lace - **To**pic - **P**erson ### Topic sentences - A paragraph is a **self-contained unit of discourse dealing with a particular point or idea**. - Open with a **topic sentence** that states the paragraph's main point. ### Linking paragraphs - Use **discourse markers** to connect paragraphs and guide the reader. ### Drafting, editing, proofreading - **Draft** first, then **edit** for clarity and effect, then **proofread** for accuracy. - Proofreading checks spelling, punctuation and grammar. ### Paragraph layout facts - Modern English typography usually shows a new paragraph by **indenting the first line**. - Another common style is **block paragraphs** — no indent, with vertical white space between them. - Professionally printed English usually does **not** indent the first paragraph but indents those that follow: **"Set opening paragraphs flush left."** - The **pilcrow (¶)** was historically used to mark paragraphs. - **Widows and orphans** occur when the first line of a paragraph is the last in a column or page, or when the last line of a paragraph is the first line of a new column or page. ### Key symbols - **§** (section sign) can be used when referencing a paragraph: "See § Background". ### Exam checklist 1. Plan with a diagram or list. 2. One idea per paragraph; use TiPToP. 3. Topic sentence first; link with discourse markers. 4. Draft, edit, proofread.

Paragraph: A self-contained unit of discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea.
TiPToP: A reminder for when to start a new paragraph: Time, Place, Topic, Person.
Topic sentence: A sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states its main point.
Discourse markers: Words or phrases used to link paragraphs and guide the reader.
Proofreading: Checking writing for accuracy, including spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Pilcrow (¶): A symbol historically used to mark the beginning of a paragraph.
Block paragraphs: A modern style using no indenting, with vertical white space between paragraphs.
Widow/orphan: Occurs when the first line of a paragraph is the last in a column or page, or when the last line of a paragraph is the first line of a new column or page.
Section sign (§): A typographic symbol (U+00A7) used when referencing a paragraph, e.g. "See § Background".

Cartes mémo

What is a paragraph?

A self-contained unit of discourse in writing that deals with a particular point or idea.

What does the mnemonic TiPToP stand for when deciding when to start a new paragraph?

Time, Place, Topic, Person.

When should you start a new paragraph according to TiPToP?

When there is a change in time, place, topic, or person.

What is a topic sentence?

A sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, often placed at the beginning.

What are discourse markers?

Words or phrases used to link paragraphs and show connections between ideas, such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'firstly'.

What is the purpose of planning before writing?

To organise ideas and structure the writing effectively.

Name three common planning techniques.

Spider diagrams, flow charts, and lists.

What is the difference between editing and proofreading?

Editing focuses on improving clarity and effect, while proofreading focuses on correcting errors in accuracy.

What does proofreading involve?

Checking for and correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

What is the pilcrow symbol?

The symbol ¶, historically used to mark the beginning of a new paragraph.

How did the modern tradition of indenting a paragraph originate?

From spaces left in early print documents for rubricators to hand-draw pilcrows, which were eventually left un-rubricated.

What is a block paragraph?

A paragraph style that uses no indentation but adds vertical white space between paragraphs.

In word processing, what is the difference between a hard return and a soft return?

A hard return creates a new paragraph, while a soft return wraps text within the same paragraph.

What are widows and orphans in typography?

Widows and orphans occur when the first line of a paragraph is the last in a column or page, or when the last line of a paragraph is the first line of a new column or page.

What is an initial (drop cap) in paragraphing?

An oversized capital letter at the beginning of a paragraph, sometimes outdented beyond the margin.

What is boustrophedon?

A style of writing where the direction of text flow and the direction the letters face switch at the end of each line, like an ox plowing a field.

What is rubrication?

The practice of using red ink for headings or initial letters, contrasting with black ink for the main text.

What is the function of a paragraph according to Robert Bringhurst?

To mark a pause, setting the paragraph apart from what precedes it.

How much does indenting the first line of paragraphs increase readability, according to Miles Tinker?

By 7%, on average.

What symbol may be used to reference a paragraph?

The section sign (§).

In HTML, what tag is used as a paragraph container?

The <p> tag.

What is the recommended indent for paragraphs after the first?

At least one en space; an em space is most commonly used.

Why should the first paragraph not be indented in professionally printed material?

Because if a paragraph is preceded by a title or subhead, the indent is superfluous and can be omitted.

What is the purpose of drafting in the writing process?

To produce an initial version of the writing that can be improved through editing and proofreading.

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