KL4979 - Business Studies: Communication SkillsAssessment Details – A Model Paragraph

A Model Paragraph – we will do a considerable amount of work on the structuring and writing of different kinds of paragraphs and for this part of the portfolio we expect you to write a paragraph which shows that you have understood the work we have done. Your paragraph must discuss a business topic.

Your task is to write a paragraph which shows you have understood the key features of a good paragraph. The type and topic of the paragraph can be as follows:

o It should be a paragraph that would appear in the main body of some writing (i.e. not an introduction, conclusion or executive summary) – so, preferably ‘discussing’ a point from a topic. We recommend you do an ‘argument’ or ‘counter-argument / argument’ paragraph

o It should be on a BUSINESS topico It can relate to a topic you have covered in lectures – perhaps something that has

particularly interested you, or perhaps some business concepts that you would like to apply to a real organisation or brand (not a ‘big’ brand like Apple / Google) or your own country and discuss. You can try to relate a concept / part of a theory or model to a real case (a company / brand / produce or service that you like) or e.g. a company / brand / business issue that is currently in the news

o Keep the topic very narrow e.g. one main point which you develop with evidence and concrete examples [remember this is a paragraph not an essay]

o It should demonstrate understanding of the key features of an effective paragraph e.g. coherence and cohesion (covered in class)

o You should provide a KEY to the paragraph explaining the ‘purpose’ of each sentence i.e. what type of sentence it is e.g.:

KEYSentence 1 – Topic sentenceSentence 2 – Outlines the argument that...Sentence 3 – Provides a supporting example of... etc.

o It should be a reasonable length e.g. depending on length of sentences, between 6-8 sentences long.

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For the in-class paragraph exercise you can bring:

- ONE SIDE of A4 notes only e.g. notes on your paragraph topic / notes on your paragraph ‘key’ (a pre-written paragraph is not acceptable and will be taken away)

85 – 100% 70 - 84% 60 – 69% 50 – 59% 40 – 49% 30 – 39% 1 – 29%PARAGRAPH Excellent

development of the topic sentence with excellent use of a variety of cohesive devices. Highly useful key provided.Excellent accuracy and range of language.

The paragraph is coherent and cohesive and the point is fully developed. Very good topic sentence and use of examples / details to expand the point. A clear, specific and useful key is provided which clearly demonstrates understanding of paragraphing. Very good accuracy and range of language.

The paragraph is coherent and cohesive and the point is developed well. A good topic sentence and use of examples / details to expand the point. A good key is provided which demonstrates good understanding of paragraphing. Very good accuracy and range of language but with some inaccuracies.

The paragraph is fairly coherent and cohesive and the point is developed quite well but there could be more details and a wider range of cohesive devices. A topic sentence is attempted. A key is attempted and gives a basic outline of the paragraph. Reasonable accuracy and range of language.

The paragraph lacks coherence and cohesion in places. The point is not fully developed and the topic sentence could be more effective. A basic key is given and a basic understanding of paragraphing is demonstrated. A basic grasp of grammar and vocabulary but there are inaccuracies which required more careful proof-reading.

Little understanding of paragraphing demonstrated – it may be too short or too long. It may not be on a relevant topic. Little evidence of cohesive devices and the paragraph may be incoherent in places. No key may be given. Many inaccuracies and a limited range of structures and vocabulary.

No real understanding of paragraphing – it lacks coherence and cohesion and may include many unrelated points. The topic may be irrelevant and the point may be undeveloped. No key is given. Some parts may be copied from other sources. Largely inaccurate and limited language range demonstrated.

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