Writing essay paragraphs T E E L Structure

Writing essay paragraphs T. E. E. L.

Structure of a paragraph v. T – Topic sentence v. E – Explanation v. E – Evidence v. L – Linking sentence

T – Topic sentence v. What is the main point for your paragraph? v. This sentence should represent your main idea. v. It’s like an introduction to your paragraph. v. It should be 1 sentence long.

Topic sentences v. When read on their own, topic sentences of each paragraph should be able to give the reader a clear idea of what your essay is about. v. Example: ‘Repetition is a poetic technique which is used often in the song/poem _____. ’

E - Explanation v. Why is your point important? v. You have raised an idea and provided evidence to support it, but now you need to explain in more detail. v. Don’t simply state an idea and move on! v. Spend time on explaining the idea so that it will not easily be dismissed.

v Your Explanation explanation sentence/s should be 1 or 2 sentences long and it may contain a definition of terms if appropriate. v Example: When a word or phrase is repeated more than once, it is known as repetition. This technique is useful as it creates a catchy lyric that is easy for listeners to remember whilst emphasizing the importance of the message being repeated.

E - Evidence v. What is your evidence? v. Without evidence, you are relying on your own opinion. v. Evidence could include a quote from the text (or song) which provides evidence to support your statement in your topic sentence.

v. Evidence may also be observations of something that you experienced (saw, heard, felt) within the text or song lyrics. v. Your evidence sentences in each paragraph should be 1 to 2 sentences long.

v Providing Evidence evidence in essays is critically import as it backs up what you are trying to say by adding support to your main points. v Example: In Romeo and Juliet written by Shakespeare, the nurse says “O woeful, woeful day!”. The repetition of the word woeful demonstrates to the reader the depth of the emotion that she is feeling and also increases the drama of the situation.

Evidence sentence starters v. An example of this from the poem/song was when…… v…………………. . occurred in the poem/song when…………. . v. The line/lyric where………… is a good example of this because………. v. One of the most important instances of this was when………. .

Linking sentence v. How does this paragraph relate to the essay topic? v. This sentence is a summary of what you have been writing about within your paragraph. v. It is a response to your topic sentence.

v. Your Linking sentence linking sentence may also link one paragraph to the next. v. It is only 1 sentence long. v. Example: Whilst repetition helps the reader/listener to understand the point or emotion being repeated, the use of similes also contributes to the reader/listeners understanding of the overall message of the poem/song.

Other rules of paragraphing to consider……. v. A v. It paragraph should be 4 – 6 sentences long. should explain ONE main idea. v. A new paragraph needs to be indented on the next line or even skip a line to begin with a new idea.

Essay topic: Poetry in lyrics v. Choose one of the following songs: - Roar by Katy Perry - Firework by Katy Perry - Red by Taylor Swift - Skyscraper by Demi Lovato - One Thing by One Direction v. How does the songwriter use poetic language techniques to express their message within their song and what is the overall meaning that they are trying to convey to the listener?

Essay topic: The Surfer �How does the poet Judith Wright, express her message in the poem “The Surfer”? �How: What are the poetic techniques used? �What: What is her message within her poem?

Essay criteria: �Minimum of 3 poetic techniques must be written about �TEEL structure must be used �After the 3 techniques are discussed, there must be a paragraph about the message/theme/story of the song/poem to show your understanding of the words. �Correct spelling and grammar