Detailed planning

Now that you have your overall structure, the next step is to make a more detailed plan. To do this you will need to be aware of the elements that make up an effective paragraph. Initially, it is very important to follow the conventional structure of paragraphs. As with the overall structure, the marker of your composition needs to be able to know exactly what you are discussing and be able to follow the logic of your composition all the way through.

Paragraphs

Topic sentences

Your topic sentence is crucial. If you read an academic text you will often find that the first sentence of each paragraph tells the responder what it will be about. This is particularly important for responders who are trying to find specific information. In your case it is essential so that the marker can easily gauge the point of each paragraph.

It is important that your topic sentence is succinct (short and concise) and that it addresses the question and thesis. This can be a challenge. Let's look at some examples. Remember that the question, along with the guidelines, asks you to address the impact that Atticus has on the themes and how the composer has achieved this.

1. Atticus Finch helps to develop the theme of moral education This topic sentence informs the responder that the paragraph will be about Atticus's link to the theme of moral education. It applies to the question, but has not answered it, nor has it addressed how the composer has achieved the effect. 2. Atticus Finch has a major impact on the theme of moral education. This topic sentence informs the responder that, in your opinion, Atticus's link to the theme of moral education is very important. This answers the question but does not include the thesis or how the composer has achieved this. 3. Atticus Finch, as the main character's father, has a very important impact on the development of the theme of moral education. This topic sentence informs the responder that, in your opinion, Atticus's link to the development of the theme of moral education is important, and that your thesis is that it is because of his role as father.

Example One - topic sentences

Supporting points and evidence/elaboration

The supporting points in your paragraph are very important as these prove your topic sentence as well as demonstrating to the marker that you have understood the text and can see how the composer has achieved particular effects.

The first step is to decide what evidence you have for the statement that has been made in the topic sentence.

The contrast between Atticus and Miss Caroline reveals that what he teaches his children is different from what is taught at school. Atticus refers to the importance of having his children look him in the eye. This implies that Atticus leads by example. The novel, as a bildungsroman, is about the moral lessons that Jem and Scout learn. These lessons are taught by Atticus through Mrs Dubose, the mad dog and his actions in defending Tom Robinson.

Example Two - supporting points and evidence

Linking sentence

The linking sentence is optional. It is written to ensure that the following paragraph flows seamlessly from the original. In this case, given that we know that the following paragraph will be about Atticus and good and evil, the linking sentence can be written as follows:

Atticus' impact on moral education and his role as father is central to the other themes of the novel.

Example Three - linking sentence

Note that this linking sentence also acts as a concluding sentence to the paragraph.

Plan

Your detailed plan should look something like this:

INTRODUCTION

• Answer question.
• Briefly outline points.
• Introduce thesis.

PARAGRAPH ONE

Main idea:

• Atticus and moral education.

Topic sentence:

• Atticus Finch, as the main character's father, has a very important impact on the development of the theme of moral education.

Supporting points/evidence elaboration:

• The contrast between Atticus and Miss Caroline reveals that what he teaches his children is different from what is taught at school.
• Atticus refers to the importance of having his children look him in the eye. This implies that Atticus leads by example.
• The novel, as a bildungsroman, is about the moral lessons that Jem and Scout learn. These lessons are taught by Atticus through Mrs Dubose, The mad dog and his actions in defending Tom Robinson.

Linking sentences:

• Atticus' impact on moral education and his role as father is central to the development of the themes of the novel.

PARAGRAPH TWO

Main idea:

• Atticus and good and evil.

Topic sentence:

• Atticus' impact on moral education and his role as father is central to the development of the theme of good and evil.

Supporting points/evidence elaboration:

• Atticus tries to understand people, demonstrating that people are not all good or all bad.
• Mrs Dubose defence of Bob Ewell's actions, understanding of Mayella Ewell.
• As Jem matures he has difficulty in reconciling that good does not always overcome evil. The catalyst for this revelation is the court case. Atticus guides him through the difficult time and exposes him to the harsh realities of life.
• As role model puts up with abuse by understanding the complexities of human behaviour.
• The lynch mob, where Atticus says that 'every mob is made up of people.

Linking sentence:

• The theme of good and evil is linked through moral education as it is expressed through Atticus lessons of understanding and empathy.

PARAGRAPH THREE

Main idea:

• Atticus and social inequality

Topic sentence:

• The importance of the lessons learned about understanding and empathy has a very important impact on the presentation of the theme of moral education.

Supporting points/evidence elaboration:

• The incident with Walter Cunningham where Scout learns that despite Walter's social status he is a good person.
• This is similar to the reason why Atticus takes on the case of Tom Robinson. He inspires his children through the court case because of his courage.
• Contrast with Aunt Alexandra - the fact of social inequality is a matter of 'a step at a time' but that it is possible to work within it.

CONCLUSION

• Answer question fully with thesis.
• Bring all your points together in briefer fashion.

See the following chapter for more information on how to write your introduction and conclusion.