Paragraphing: The 1-3-1
So you've just been given 40 minutes to write about a given topic and you don't know where to start.
The '1-3-1' is a formation that will work with almost all essays, Big Write sessions or when writing from one of the types of writing style given elsewhere on this website. The '1-3-1' is simple and if remembered, will ensure that you score highly on an element of assessment known as 'Text Organisation.' Children aiming for a high level 4 and above in their writing should be making careful decisions about paragraphs and how they work.
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The 1-3-1
The 1-3-1 refers to the organisation of paragraphs in a piece of extended writing.
The first '1' represents the introduction of a piece of writing, where the issues to be addressed are briefly mentioned.
The '3' represents the bulk of the text, where three focus issues or points are mentioned and either given more detail or supporting evidence.
The final '1' represents the conclusion, where the most important point or ideas are summed up. Importantly, no new points or evidence should be used in the conclusion.
The '1-3-1' is a formation that will work with almost all essays, Big Write sessions or when writing from one of the types of writing style given elsewhere on this website. The '1-3-1' is simple and if remembered, will ensure that you score highly on an element of assessment known as 'Text Organisation.' Children aiming for a high level 4 and above in their writing should be making careful decisions about paragraphs and how they work.
Scroll down for more details on Paragraphing...
The 1-3-1
The 1-3-1 refers to the organisation of paragraphs in a piece of extended writing.
The first '1' represents the introduction of a piece of writing, where the issues to be addressed are briefly mentioned.
The '3' represents the bulk of the text, where three focus issues or points are mentioned and either given more detail or supporting evidence.
The final '1' represents the conclusion, where the most important point or ideas are summed up. Importantly, no new points or evidence should be used in the conclusion.
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Persuasive Writing
1- Introduction: explain who you are, what issue you would like to address and your viewpoint. You may also briefly list your key points. 3- Three different ideas to explain your view along with useful evidence such as quotes or data/ statistics. 1- Conclusion: mention your viewpoint again making it clear that you need someone to act on your ideas, and re-state one of your most important points for effect. Possibly end with a rhetorical question. |
Story Writing
1- Opening and Build Up: introduce the key characters in the story, the setting and the first part of the storyline to draw in the reader. 3- Climax, Events, Resolve: three paragraphs to build the story to a really tense moment, resolve a problem, create another and so on. 1- Ending: the author chooses how to best end a story. For younger children, a neat and tidy happy ending works best (or one with a moral). For older children, stories with cliffhangers are suitable and can often suggest a sequel to come later. |
More Paragraphing Tips...
Non Fiction
Starting a new paragraph shows the reader that PERSON, PLACE, TIME or TOPIC has changed.
- When a new subject (PERSON, PLACE or TOPIC) is introduced, you begin a new paragraph
- When TIME moves backward or forward, you begin a new paragraph
Fiction
Start a new paragraph when PERSON, PLACE, TIME or TOPIC has changed.
- When you change the setting (PLACE) you begin a new paragraph
- When a new character (PERSON) is introduced
- When there is a change of speaker (PERSON)
- When TIME moves backwards or forwards, you begin a new paragraph
- When a new event (TOPIC) happens, you begin a new paragraph
Starting a new paragraph shows the reader that PERSON, PLACE, TIME or TOPIC has changed.
- When a new subject (PERSON, PLACE or TOPIC) is introduced, you begin a new paragraph
- When TIME moves backward or forward, you begin a new paragraph
Fiction
Start a new paragraph when PERSON, PLACE, TIME or TOPIC has changed.
- When you change the setting (PLACE) you begin a new paragraph
- When a new character (PERSON) is introduced
- When there is a change of speaker (PERSON)
- When TIME moves backwards or forwards, you begin a new paragraph
- When a new event (TOPIC) happens, you begin a new paragraph
