Writing Extended Paragraphs (using SEED structure)
StatementMake a statement that includes the words from the question and attempts to briefly answer the question.
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ExampleUse a quote or details from the text to back up your statement. If you want to demonstrate your ability, include description of film techniques or language features.
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ExplainIn this section, you will include reasons why your reader should believe your statement. Why does the quote match the statement? What do you believe are the reasons for your statement? What do you read beyond the text that will help support your argument?
How can you convince your reader that your statement is true? |
DevelopDevelopment requires a link between your ideas and the outside world. This part of your paragraph will often discuss concepts and ideas and this comes from your experience or your understanding of the world around you. If you can relate your views to a current news example or some insightful understanding of what motivates people in general, then add that in. This is your chance to improve your grade.
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Example from the film Avatar
Statement
Example Explanation Development |
In the film, Avatar, one theme that is shown is that of accepting change. For example, the Na’vi must accept that their home is about to be destroyed.
This is difficult for them to accept and is shown by the sad look on Nayteri’s face which the director then then follows with an over the shoulder shot of Jake giving the message to show the situation from her point of view. She screams “You will never be one of the people” as she hits Jake. This shows that she is extremely upset and angry at the situation. She raises the volume of her voice because of her strength of feeling and expresses anger at her new husband, feeling cheated and betrayed by him, although he is just the messenger and not the cause of the bad news. Often people react angrily when they are told that things must change for them. It is difficult for people to accept change that is externally imposed. |
Tips to Help You Write Each Section
Statement
Example Explanation Development |
When writing statements, use the words from the question as much as you can. The example above was asking for a description and explanation of the theme in a text.
When writing examples, you need to add in details from the text and/or a quote. You can use film techniques when writing about film and literary techniques when writing about a written text. Keep your details specific to the topic you started out with. An explanation is a way of giving reasons why, so when writing explanations, give reasons why you believe the example proves your statement. It is your intention to convince the reader of your point of view, so use tricks from the persuasive writing style here (see the link below). A way to start your explanation sentence might be to use the phrases "This shows" or "This illustrates that". In developing your theory, you are adding examples from your own experience or from the world around you. Write a development by starting with the phrases; "When people" or "In society" or "The causes of". This section is very conceptual and should focus on ideas and insights. this is the part of your paragraph where you can gain extra marks and really show your intelligence. |