Year 3 and 4 Mechanics of Writing
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POINT (TOPIC SENTENCE) - this is how you should start every paragraph. Your topic
sentence should be really direct and simple. It should have a big idea and if you wish,
highlight the language features that have been used to show that idea. The topic
sentence should outline what your paragraph is about.
EVIDENCE- this is where you prove your point/argument by using words from the text.
You must take the words directly from the text and use quotation marks. Remember to
keep your quotes short—avoid large chunks of quotations! It is important that you do not
neglect this part as textual references and evidence are essentially in forming a strong
and cogent argument.
EXPLANATION- now you have to explain your quote. What is suggested/implied by the
quote? Outline how your quote helps prove your point.
ZOOM- now focus on ONE word or phrase that has been used in your chosen quotation
and write about the different layers of meaning that it might have and how it proves your
point even further.
AUTHOR- explain why the author has presented the idea/issue/character/voice in this
way.
Writing the introduction
This should include the thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument and an
overview of your essay -> In other words, where are we going?
Planning the body paragraph
POINT (Topic sentence, which should be a claim or an opinion of the writer)
EVIDENCE (direct quotation(s) from the text)
ELABORATION (what is suggested by the quotation? What does it mean?)
ZOOM (focus on one aspect of that quote- a word/phrase/imagery/symbol etc)
AUTHOR (why the author might be presenting the character/issue/idea in this way and the
effect that it has on the reader)
Write the sample body paragraph