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Hints for signposting: Words and Phrases

Below are some examples of words and phrases that can link your paragraphs.

For TIME order or ordering ideas:
Later ... To begin with ... The next day ... Next ... Then ... Firstly ...
Secondly ... Finally ... Lastly...

For DEVELOPING ideas or an argument:
Also ... In addition ... Furthermore ... Therefore ... As a result...
A further point is ... Some people also believe that...

For CONTRASTING ideas:
On the other hand ... Alternatively ... In contrast ... Although ... However...
However, some people believe that... Whereas ... Nevertheless... Despite this...

For making a POWERFUL start to the next paragraph of a story:
Suddenly ... All at once ... At that moment ... Instantly ... Cautiously...

For SUMMING UP and coming to a conclusion in the final paragraph of an essay to
persuade or argue:
To sum up ... On balance ... In conclusion … Therefore ... Thus...
To conclude ... Taking all this into account ... So...

How long is a paragraph?

A paragraph can be any number of sentences. However, very long paragraphs can
contain too much information and confuse your reader. Follow the rule that you start
a new paragraph each time something changes and you can’t go far wrong.

NOTE: Used occasionally, a short paragraph can make an important point stand out.

It’s important to keep your reader’s attention! This is a short paragraph,
but it made me stop and

think!
Self-assessment Guide for Paragraphs:

My writing has paragraphs. Use the ‘Traffic light’
system to colour in the
I begin a new paragraph each time something boxes next to each target
changes. in the table:

My paragraphs have an order that make sense. Red/yellow/green Traffic lights GREEN = I can do this.
YELLOW = I can sometimes
My paragraphs link together using signposting.
do this.

My paragraphs introduce a point and then RED = I can’t do this.
develop it.
My target:

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