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Academy11+

11+ Creative writing · Topic explained

Using paragraphs

When should you start a new paragraph?

The big idea

Start a new paragraph when the Time, Place, Topic or Person changes: TiPToP.

Picture it

Like rooms in a house: each paragraph has its own job.

Key words

Paragraph
A group of sentences about one thing.
TiPToP
Time, Place, Topic, Person: change one, new paragraph.
Linking phrase
Words that join paragraphs, like "Later that day…"

Worked examples

  1. 1Warm-up

    "…and we fell asleep. The next morning, the tent was gone."

    • Time changes: new paragraph.
  2. 211+ standard

    "…Ruby raced towards the pier. Meanwhile, at the lighthouse, Mr Pike was climbing the stairs."

    • Place changes: new paragraph.
    • "Meanwhile" links the two.
  3. 311+ standard

    "Where's the map?" asked Kofi. "I thought you had it," said Lena.

    • Person speaking changes: new line, new paragraph.
  4. 411+ standard

    A one-line paragraph for drama: "And then the phone rang."

    • A short paragraph on its own makes a moment stand out.

The common mistake

The mistake

Start a new paragraph after a set number of lines, or write one giant block.

Instead

Start a new paragraph when something changes: time, place, topic or person.

Why: Paragraphs guide the reader through the story; a line count doesn't.

Where it comes up in the 11+

Markers look for clear paragraphs that organise the story.

The video

Video coming soon

We're making a short video that explains using paragraphs step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.

Free printable

Using paragraphs worksheet

Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

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Quick quiz

Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.

  1. 1. What does TiPToP stand for?

    • Time, Place, Topic, Person
    • Title, Plot, Tone, Pace
    • Tense, Punctuation, Talk, Plan
    • Tip, Pen, Top, Paper
    Show the answer

    Time, Place, Topic, Person

    Change any one of them and start a new paragraph.

  2. 2. "An hour later, the rain stopped." Why start a new paragraph here?

    • The time has changed
    • A new person is speaking
    • It's a question
    • The line is long
    Show the answer

    The time has changed

    An hour later moves the story on in time.

  3. 3. Why might a writer use a one-line paragraph?

    • To make a moment stand out
    • Because they ran out of ideas
    • To fill space
    • It's never allowed
    Show the answer

    To make a moment stand out

    White space around it gives the moment extra drama.