L04: Paragraphs and markers

In this session, we will first look at the building blocks of academic texts: paragraphs. What is a paragraph? How can I write good paragraphs? What is a topic sentence? How can I connect paragraph to paragraph and/or ideas and sentences within a paragraph? Which are common discourse markers and what do they mean?

Things we cover in this session

Structure of paragraphs

Topic sentences

Identifying discourse markers and how to use them

Things you need for this session

W04-1: Paragraphs

W04-2: Discourse Markers

W04-3: Topic Sentences

Things to take home from this session

At the end of this session you should be able to

use the structure of a paragraph in your own writing

write good topic sentences

identify and use discourse markers (‘linkers’)

connect paragraphs logically

Slides

Academic Writing: Paragraphs and Discourse Markers

Hungry Minds

Learn more about discourse markers and how to use them best for your writing:

Using English for Academic Purposes

Discourse Markers