PEEL PARAGRAPHS
A Formula for Better Academic Paragraphs
P.E.E.L is a mnemonic that helps create paragraphs that include evidence to support the argument trying to be made…
POINT
Your first sentence must state your point. It introduces the topic you’re about to discuss and tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. This is sometimes called a topic sentence.
EVIDENCE
Support your point with evidence and examples. In the next one or two sentences, give evidence to expand upon and support the point you made. Evidence can include facts, statistics, research findings, quotes from a credible authority or a primary text.
EXPLANATION
This is where you show your understanding by explaining in more detail how and why your evidence supports your point. Your explanation should interpret the evidence for the reader. The evidence and explanation can be reversed.
LINK
The last sentence should reinforce your original point or link your writing to the next paragraph. The link sentence can provide a transition to the next topic or paragraph.
It is generally expected that an academic essay would have several pieces of evidence followed by an explanation so the paragraph ends up looking like this – PEEEEL.
CLICK HERE to view an example paragraph. Can you identify the POINT – EVIDENCE – EXPLANATION and LINK sentences?
Watch Genevieve Menzies explain writing PEEL paragraphs by clicking here
Now see how much you remember about PEEL paragraphs by completing this quiz. The game code is: 0261121
CLICK HERE to practice your PEEL paragraph construction skills by dragging and dropping the sentences in the correct order.
CLICK HERE for a sheet that you can print out and keep handy for when you need reminding about PEEL Paragraphs.
Need more practice? CLICK HERE for research on Homework. The highlighting shows possible evidence you can use to write a PEEL paragraph. Then use this document to practice writing a PEEL paragraph and email it to genmenzies@gmail.com for review.
Now go to the Forum and answer the following question - Do you think the PEEL paragraph formula will assist you to write more academic paragraphs?
Finally your feedback will help improve this unit. CLICK HERE to complete a short survey.