How to Write a Well-Structured PEAL Paragraph

for Your English Essays

PEAL is an acronym (a pattern or word that can help us remember an idea or

concept) used to organise your writing and ensure that you’re focusing on a
single clear argument in each paragraph.

This acronym stands for: Point, Evidence, Analysis, Link.

Step 1: Identify Your Point

Your paragraph should start with a sentence that establishes the point you’re
trying to make and answers the essay question by using key words from the
question.

The Point, or topic sentence, should be clear because this is what the
teacher is going to read first. If they don’t understand the Point, it weakens
the rest of your argument.

The sentence essentially tells the teacher what this paragraph is about and
what point it’s trying to make.

Keep in mind that even though the PEAL structure only has four key
components, you don’t have to restrict yourself to four sentences!

If your Point is getting too long and wordy, it might be a good idea to split it
into two sentences so that it flows better.
Step 2: Incorporate Your Evidence
Here is where you bring in evidence from your text to support your
Point. Depending on your text, the Example can be a quote, image, scene
from a film, or more.

The key to finding good examples is to make sure that there are plenty of
techniques to unpack! It’s also really important to find quotes that are unique
and uncommon so that you stand out from other students.

When you’re including the Example in your body paragraph, make sure you
contextualise it.

A little sentence or even just a few words about the broader plot and
context behind the quote can go a long way! It shows that you’re engaging
with the text on a deeper level.

Step 3: Analyse/explain How Your

Evidence Supports Your Point
Now that you have your quotation, you need to Explain how it supports the
Point.

This is where your analysis really shines! You’ll flesh out your key points,
introduce different techniques and go into greater detail about the deeper
meanings of the text and your quotation.
When you’re trying to Explain, it can be easy to just slip into recounting the
plot but it’s super important to steer clear of recounting! You can avoid
doing this by always bringing your discussion back to the Point.

You want to make sure you flesh out the relationship between the quotation,
the techniques it uses, and the effect/significance of this.

Step 4: Finish Off With Your Link

The final step is to just wrap it all up! Your Link should sum up what you’ve
discussed in your body paragraph and tie it up so that it’s cohesive and
clearly organised.

But the Link shouldn’t just repeat your Point! It should also link back to the
essay question and directly respond to it. It needs to explain how the point
ties up to the overall message of the text as well as discuss
emotions/questions/expectations raised for the audience.

Last but not least…

• Check your spelling
• Check your expression/grammar
• Check your punctuation (Do not forget your “…” )