1. Teacher Notes
This PowerPoint presentation has been designed to support teachers to deliver a series of lessons on how to structure paragraphs when writing imaginative, persuasive and informative texts.
It specifically addresses the Australian Curriculum content descriptors for English: Language – Text structure and organisation.
For additional teaching resources to compliment this PowerPoint, browse the Paragraphs collection on the Teach Starter website.

3. Symbols
I do: my turn to talk. This is the explanation section of our lesson where you are required to listen. We do: this is where we discuss or work on the concepts together. You do: your turn to be involved. You may be working in a group or on an activity individually.

4. Imaginative, Persuasive and Informative Paragraphs

5. What are Imaginative Texts?
Imaginary texts are texts which intend to entertain the reader or viewer.
They express the thoughts and feelings of the author in a creative way.
Imaginary texts use descriptive and figurative language.
Examples of imaginary texts include:
poems
stories
plays.

6. Imaginative Texts - Paragraph Structure
To write an imaginative paragraph, follow these steps.
Introduce the scene using an interesting topic sentence.
State what is happening in chronological order.
Describe the scene using descriptive language and imagery.
Link each idea using connecting words and phrases.
When writing an imaginative paragraph, it is important to focus on a single event. If the action of the text changes, it is time to begin a new paragraph.

7. Imaginative Paragraph - Example
Professor Fizz clutched the miracle potion in his gloved hand. For many days and nights, he had been trying to perfect this dangerous recipe. Now it was exactly right, it was time to test the fragrant brew. Removing his gloves, he pulled the cork from the top of the bubbling beaker. In one gulp, he drank the green, flavourless potion and waited.

8. Imaginative Paragraph - Example
topic sentence introducing the scene
Professor Fizz clutched the miracle potion in his gloved hand.
For many days and nights, he had been trying to perfect this dangerous recipe. Now it was exactly right, it was time to test the fragrant brew. Removing his gloves, he pulled the cork from the top of the bubbling beaker. In one gulp, he drank the green, flavourless potion and waited.
what is happening, in chronological order

9. Imaginative Paragraph - Example
Professor Fizz clutched the miracle potion in his gloved hand. For many days and nights, he had been trying to perfect this dangerous recipe. Now it was exactly right, it was time to test the fragrant brew. Removing his gloves, he pulled the cork from the top of the bubbling beaker. In one gulp, he drank the green, flavourless potion and waited.
descriptive language to describe the scene
connecting phrases to link ideas together

10. Imaginative Paragraph - Activity
Choose one of the scenes below. Write an imaginative paragraph based around this scene. Try to write five sentences. Be sure to remember the steps for writing an imaginative paragraph.

11. What are Persuasive Texts?
Persuasive texts are texts which intend to convince the reader or viewer to agree with a particular viewpoint.
They express the opinion of the author about a certain topic, supported by facts and evidence.
Persuasive texts use strong, emotive language and persuasive devices.
Examples of persuasive texts include:
- election speeches and debates
letters to the editor
advertisements.

12. Persuasive Texts - Paragraph Structure
To write a persuasive paragraph, follow these steps.
Introduce your viewpoint with an engaging topic sentence.
Support your opinion with facts and evidence.
Explain how the facts and evidence support your opinion.
Link the evidence back to the topic or issue.
When writing a persuasive paragraph, the acronym ‘PEEL’ can help. This stands for: Point, Evidence, Elaboration and Link.

13. Persuasive Paragraph - Example
Removing wild animals from their natural habitats to keep them in zoos is incredibly cruel. When kept captive, these beautiful creatures become bored and lonely, often leading to a condition called ‘zoochosis’. Animals suffering from zoochosis begin performing anxious, repetitive acts such as rocking back and forth, swaying, grooming themselves excessively and vomiting. Conditions such as this clearly demonstrate that wild animals belong in the wilderness; not in restrictive, prison- like enclosures. Animals must be freed from zoos now, so that this terrible suffering and mental torture ends for good.

14. Persuasive Paragraph - Example
topic sentence introducing viewpoint
Removing wild animals from their natural habitats to keep them in zoos is incredibly cruel.
When kept captive, these beautiful creatures become bored and lonely, often leading to a condition called ‘zoochosis’. Animals suffering from zoochosis begin performing anxious, repetitive acts such as rocking back and forth, swaying, grooming themselves excessively and vomiting.
supporting opinion with evidence

15. Persuasive Paragraph - Example
Conditions such as this clearly demonstrate that wild animals belong in the wilderness; not in restrictive, prison- like enclosures.
explain how the facts support the opinion
link the evidence back to the issue or topic
Animals must be freed from zoos now, so that this terrible suffering and mental torture ends for good.

16. Persuasive Paragraph - Activity
Look at the conversation and choose which viewpoint you agree with. Write a persuasive paragraph to present your opinion. Try to write five sentences. Be sure to remember the steps for writing a persuasive paragraph.
It’s fine to snack on chocolate as a special treat.
You should only ever eat fruit as a snack.

17. What are Informative Texts?
Informative texts are texts which intend to inform the reader or viewer.
They use facts to describe and explain people, animals, objects, events or phenomena.
Informative texts use clear language and technical vocabulary.
Examples of informative texts include:
instructions
newspaper reports
scientific articles.

18. Informative Texts - Paragraph Structure
To write an informative paragraph, follow these steps.
Introduce the subject using a clear topic sentence.
State facts about the subject in a logical order.
Describe the subject using appropriate technical vocabulary.
Conclude with a statement about the subject.
When writing an informative paragraph, it is important to focus on one aspect of the subject. When you are ready to move on to another aspect of the subject, it is time to begin a new paragraph.

19. Informative Paragraph - Example
Most turtles reproduce during the warmest months of the year. The females will come ashore on a sandy beach to lay their eggs after mating. They then leave the eggs to hatch on their own. When they hatch, the hatchlings (baby turtles) scramble down into the water. They have to be quick to avoid being eaten by predators. Most baby turtles will perish within their first year.

20. Informative Paragraph - Example
topic sentence introducing the subject
Most turtles reproduce during the warmest months of the year.
The females will come ashore on a sandy beach to lay their eggs after mating. They then leave the eggs to hatch on their own. When they hatch, the hatchlings (baby turtles) scramble down into the water. They have to be quick to avoid being eaten by predators.
facts about the subject in logical order
concluding statement about the subject
Most baby turtles will perish within their first year.

21. Informative Paragraph - Example
Most turtles reproduce during the warmest months of the year. The females will come ashore on a sandy beach to lay their eggs after mating. They then leave the eggs to hatch on their own. When they hatch, the hatchlings (baby turtles) scramble down into the water. They have to be quick to avoid being eaten by predators. Most baby turtles will perish within their first year.
describe the subject using technical vocabulary

22. Informative Paragraph - Activity
Choose one of the subjects below. Write an informative paragraph based around this subject. Try to write five sentences. Be sure to remember the steps for writing an informative paragraph.
school stationery
thunderstorms
birthday parties