When we are asked to write a paragraph in any of our subjects, most of the time your teacher will be expecting that you use the TEEL format. TEEL stands for:

• T (TOPIC)

• E (EVIDENCE)

• E (EXPLAIN)

• L (LINK).

We use this structure to create a clear and concise paragraph that allows you to communicate all your knowledge and ideas.

An effective TEEL Paragraph has four components:

1. (T) TOPIC - In this sentence, you introduce the paragraph and let the reader know what it is you are going to talk about.

2. (E) EVIDENCE - You need to list the evidence you have to support the point you are making in the paragraph.

3. (E) EXPLAIN - In this part you need to explain the point you are making in the paragraph. Why is it important? What does it mean for the overall question you are answering?

4. (L) LINK - Here you need to link your paragraph to the next one the reader is about to read and link back to the original question.

Colin Thiele uses the stylistic feature of foreshadowing in his short story ‘Shark Bait’ to create suspense and tension. An example of foreshadowing is ‘and as always in a moment of haste, they made one fatal mistake. The hatch cover was not bolted down before Fitzie’s Father took his place in the chair’ (115). This example of foreshadowing causes the audience to feel worried and concerned for Fitzie’s Father as they predict something terrible will happen next. It also creates suspense, by using words like ‘fatal mistake’, which makes the reader anxious, yet excited to find out how this mistake will cost the characters. Later in the story the chair that Fitzie’s Father was sitting on is sent flying into the ocean, revealing the potentially fatal consequences of their mistake as Fitzie’s Father now finds himself attached to a Great White shark, being pulled into deeper and deeper water. Colin Thiele’s use of foreshadowing was successful as the audience feels concerned for Fitzie’s Father, increasing the tension of the story to encourage the audience to continue on reading to find out what happens to Fitzie’s Father next.