Guide to spelling, punctuation and grammar

The body of the essay
Paragraph 2
(1) ‘However’ is used as a linking word to connect this new paragraph
with the opening paragraph. It provides a continuity between the
paragraphs. Note the comma ‘However,’ after this linking word.
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AMPLE ESSAY
1:
A DISCURSIVE ESSAY

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(2) The first sentence of this paragraph is the key sentence. It tells the
reader what the paragraph is about: the obsessive fans who follow
their teams. 
(3) Sentences two, three, four, five and six develop this key point. Note
the two rhetorical questions (sentences three and four). A rhetorical
question is a device to ask questions that raise issues that you will
address. Do not overdo their use, however. 
(4) The last sentence of the paragraph mentions the impact of such
obsessiveness on relationships and provides a summarising and
thoughtful conclusion to the paragraph.
Paragraph 3
(1) The linking phrase is ‘on the other hand’ which provides the bridge
between paragraph two and paragraph three. 
(2) The rest of the first sentence makes the key point of the paragraph:
that the lack of social relationships is often an explanation for why
some people become sports fans. 
(3) Sentences two, three, four, five, and six develop this key point.
(4) The last sentence of the paragraph builds on what has been stated
previously by introducing the idea of aggressive behaviour towards
other groups.
Paragraph 4
(1) The linking word that creates a continuity between this paragraph and
the previous one is ‘this’ in ‘this obsession’ which comes at the end
of the first sentence. You can often use the demonstrative pronouns
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H
OW TO WRITE ESSAYS

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or adjectives ‘this’ and ‘that’ as a simple device to underline the
continuity of your development and to refer back to a previous
section of the essay. 
(2) The first sentence of this paragraph is the key sentence. It is the role
of the media that is to be discussed. 
(3) Sentences two, three, four and five develop that point.
(4) The last sentence closes off the paragraph and raises a point that is
likely to be dealt with in the next paragraph.
Paragraph 5
(1) The ‘then’ after ‘It can be argued’ acts as the linking word between
this fifth paragraph and the fourth. 
(2) The first sentence makes the key point about young men being less
socialised than young women.
(3) Sentences two to seven develop that key point.
(4) The last sentence summarises what has been stated and rounds off the
paragraph.
Paragraph 6
(1) ‘Nevertheless’ is the linking word that provides continuity between
the paragraphs and emphasises the flow of ideas in the essay.
(2) The long, first sentence is the key sentence of the paragraph.
(3) Sentences two, three, four and five develop the key point.
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6 – S
AMPLE ESSAY
1:
A DISCURSIVE ESSAY

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(4) The closing sentence gives a specific example of what has been
discussed.