Starting a New Paragraph

What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences that are all about one idea. 📄 When you finish one idea and move to a new one, you start a new paragraph on a new line.

Paragraphs keep your writing tidy and easy to follow, like sorting your ideas into neat boxes. 📦

When to start a new one: TiPToP

A handy tip is TiPToP. Start a new paragraph when one of these changes:

• Ti — a new Time: Later that day... ⏰
• P — a new Place: Down at the beach... 🏖️
• To — a new Topic: Now for how plants grow... 🌱
• P — a new Person speaking: "Hi," said Ben. 💬

A new time

If your story jumps to a different time, start fresh.

We played all afternoon. The next morning, the rain stopped. ⏰

A new place

If the action moves somewhere new, start fresh.

The class read quietly inside. Out in the yard, the birds sang. 🐦

A new speaker

In talking, each new speaker gets their own paragraph. This makes it clear who is saying what.

"Hello," said Mia. "Hi there," said Ben. 💬

How it looks

A new paragraph begins on a new line. Many writers leave a small gap or start a little way in from the edge. This shows the reader, a new idea begins here. ✏️

Play and practise

Play the matching game to spot why each paragraph starts. Then flip the flashcards to check the TiPToP clues.

Keep going

Try these next:

• Story shape: Story Sequencing: Beginning, Middle, End
• Talking: Speech Marks for Talking

Now your writing is neat and clear! ✨ Well done! 🌟