Guide to spelling, punctuation and grammar

A
NALYSIS
Opening paragraph
(1) This opening sentence addresses the topic by noting the growth in
what the writer calls ‘the sports industry’. It supplies a context in
which to discuss the topic as set.
(2) Sentences two, three and four develop that point and give specific
examples of how that growth has been aided by television, the
advertising industry and the governing bodies of sport themselves.
(3) The last sentence of the paragraph makes an assertion about
obsessive watchers of sport and brings the essay back to the central
point of the topic. It also serves as a summarising sentence for the
paragraph.
The body of the essay
Paragraph 2
(1) ‘However’ is used as a linking word to connect this new paragraph
with the opening paragraph. It provides a continuity between the
paragraphs. Note the comma ‘However,’ after this linking word.
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6 – S
AMPLE ESSAY
1:
A DISCURSIVE ESSAY

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(2) The first sentence of this paragraph is the key sentence. It tells the
reader what the paragraph is about: the obsessive fans who follow
their teams. 
(3) Sentences two, three, four, five and six develop this key point. Note
the two rhetorical questions (sentences three and four). A rhetorical
question is a device to ask questions that raise issues that you will
address. Do not overdo their use, however. 
(4) The last sentence of the paragraph mentions the impact of such
obsessiveness on relationships and provides a summarising and
thoughtful conclusion to the paragraph.
Paragraph 3
(1) The linking phrase is ‘on the other hand’ which provides the bridge
between paragraph two and paragraph three. 
(2) The rest of the first sentence makes the key point of the paragraph:
that the lack of social relationships is often an explanation for why
some people become sports fans. 
(3) Sentences two, three, four, five, and six develop this key point.
(4) The last sentence of the paragraph builds on what has been stated
previously by introducing the idea of aggressive behaviour towards
other groups.