Develop coherent paragraphs
Build paragraphs that progress from a point to an explanation and supporting detail.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This original online sequence is a starter, not the complete approximately 130 guided learning hours or a Cambridge coursebook. Chinese-language examples, scripts, character forms, register and pronunciation guidance need review by a qualified Mandarin teacher before publication. Browser speech synthesis is not Cambridge audio and may not provide exam-quality Mandarin; it cannot reproduce the invigilator-controlled recordings. StudyForA practice and speaking self-review do not award Cambridge marks. The centre must conduct, assess, record and submit the Component 3 Speaking test for external moderation. Full-length timed papers, official examiner marking and a complete reviewed vocabulary-in-context progression remain outstanding.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach best supports this Mandarin task?
What you will learn
- W2: organise ideas into coherent paragraphs using linking devices.
- Develop an idea rather than listing disconnected statements.
- Choose sentence links that show cause, contrast, sequence or addition.
Use point–reason–detail
A paragraph can make a point, explain why it matters and add a concrete example. This structure works for familiar topics such as school facilities or a community event.
Linking devices show relations: «因为» (because), «所以» (therefore), «但是» (however), «此外» (in addition) and «最后» (finally). Use a device only when it fits.
Plan length before detail
The extended response asks for 250–300 Chinese characters. Leave enough space for each required idea, then check that the final sentence contributes a result or conclusion.
Character count and paragraphing should serve communication. A long response with repeated points is not automatically stronger.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What should follow a point in a developed paragraph?
Worked example
Develop the point ‘a school garden helps learning’ with a reason and detail.
Show the worked solution
- State the benefit.
- Explain the learning connection.
- Add a specific example.
Answer A school garden can support science learning because students observe plants over time. For example, they can record how sunlight affects growth. The example develops the reason.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Develop ‘the school library should open at lunch’ with a reason and one practical example.
Give me a hint
Use a reader benefit and a concrete use.
Compare my reasoning
- State the proposal.
- Explain the benefit.
- Give an example of a learner using the time.
The library should open at lunch so students can return or borrow books between lessons. For example, a student can choose a reference book before an afternoon project.
Look for these in your work
- States the proposal
- Explains the benefit
- Gives a relevant example
A paragraph has three benefits of a sports day but no example or explanation. Revise its plan to develop one benefit.
Give me a hint
Choose one benefit and add how it occurs.
Compare my reasoning
- Select the most relevant benefit.
- Explain the mechanism.
- Add an example connected to the event.
A stronger plan explains that team games give students a reason to cooperate, then illustrates this with a relay where each runner depends on the previous teammate.
Look for these in your work
- Chooses one point
- Explains the link
- Adds an illustrative detail
Plan two connected paragraphs for a 250–300-character article about improving a local park: current issue, recommendation and reason.
Give me a hint
Use one paragraph to describe the issue and another to develop the recommendation.
Compare my reasoning
- State one observed problem.
- Recommend a feasible change.
- Explain how the change responds to the problem.
A clear plan identifies the problem, proposes a relevant improvement and explains its effect. Character count should leave room for both paragraphs and a short conclusion.
Look for these in your work
- Connects issue and solution
- Explains the recommendation
- Accounts for the response length
Common mistakes
- Listing points without explaining them
- Adding a connector that reverses the intended meaning
- Repeating the same benefit in each paragraph
What can you explain now?
What should follow a point in a developed paragraph?
Compare with the explanation
A reason or detail that explains it
Development helps the reader understand why the point matters.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Before leaving develop coherent paragraphs, explain one strategy from memory and identify a detail you still need to practise.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.