How to nail good paragraphs, GCSE English

Hello guys,

I really want to improve on my English writing skills and make my paragraphs of high standard. I've seen a lot of Mr Bruffs student exemplar videos and they are as Mr Bruff said "intimidating" and they sure are:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjRLaM4oNH8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhlinbjX4f4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcCL5YMdlEQ&t=2s

My paragraphs that I write are literally nothing compared to them and I want to make it something similar or close to that.

Are there any constructive tips on how to write paragraphs like those in the video?
How do I make it engaging? How do I learn the sophisticated language?
PEE paragraphs seem quite popular to how to make my Point and Explanations of high standard?

Thanks

Reply 1

mdnvmpr

Original post by mangekyoumusa

Sophisticated vocabulary comes from reading a wider range of more challenging texts, then searching the words that you do not understand and making a note of them, and trying to include them in your writing. There's no quick easy way to do it, it comes over time with practise.
Some things I would recommend you to do when writing paragraphs:
Integrate quotations - this is where you quote words and phrases as part of a sentence rather than saying 'This is shown in the wuote/line...' this makes your writing much more concise and saves you time but also looks much better and will allow you to convey your point more effectively most of the time.
PETER paragraphs (point, evidence, technique, effect on reader) are good alternatives to PEE, as this structure is more detailed and reminds you to focus also on the EFFECT on the reader, which is very important in any english analysis, and something which many people forget to write about.
Another way to come across as intellegent is using subject terminology. Again, many people miss out on this, and it will show that you can identify techniques and help to get your marks up. 'Adjective' sounds much more sophisticated than 'word'.
Of course vocabulary will always will useful but is not something that you can really do overnight, but over a longer period of time.

Reply 2

Reality Check

Original post by mangekyoumusa

Whilst I agree with a lot of what the previous poster has said, I'd just recommend being a bit careful about using these models such as PEE/PETER too much - if used indiscriminately they can make your writing sound mechanistic and dull. Good writing and effective paragraphs need variety - differences in overall length of sentences, dry description mixed in with a more lively prose... something which drives the writing forwards and encourages the reader to continue. Otherwise it can come across almost as too over-rehearsed.

NB: there's a big difference between using 'sophisticated vocabulary' when the choice adds meaning, and the sin of using a big word when a smaller one would do the same duty. If in doubt, always use the shorter word - for instance, it is never necessary to 'purchase' anything - the word is 'buy'.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 3

mangekyoumusa

Original post by mdnvmpr

Thanks for the tips. What sort of things should I read? I've been re-reading Jekyl and Hyde and looking up each word which I don't understand but I would also like to read other extracts or texts.
Also I have noticed that a lot of high level students make their Points really engaging, any tips on this?

Original post by Reality Check

Thanks,
So when I feel like I am using PEE?PETER paragraphs too much, do I just make my own structure?

Reply 4

Reality Check

Original post by mangekyoumusa

Thanks,
So when I feel like I am using PEE?PETER paragraphs too much, do I just make my own structure?

It's not so much that - PEE / PETER is useful, and certainly has its place when structuring writing. Just don't overdo it, and trust your own judgement sometimes to structure an effective paragraph.

Reply 5

mangekyoumusa

Original post by Reality Check

It's not so much that - PEE / PETER is useful, and certainly has its place when structuring writing. Just don't overdo it, and trust your own judgement sometimes to structure an effective paragraph.

Ahhh, ok,
Thanks for the advice!!!

Reply 6

mdnvmpr

Original post by mangekyoumusa

The best chance that you'll have at writing an engaging paragraph will come from understanding your text. The better you know it, and the ideas and themes behind it, the more likely you are going to be able to write a convincing and critical analysis. Vocabulary is one thing, but if you do not have an interesting idea, then it's useless.
Try researching some of the context behind your texts, things which inspired certain settings/events/characters as this is also something not many people do, and will set your work apart.

As for reading, a simple google search will probably lead you to a whole range of 19th century texts which will broaden your vocabulary, although just reading more in general, things like the news will help you to increase vocab.