HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL
GRADE 10
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE
JUNE EXAM LITERARY ESSAY REVISION
The PEEL method is a structured approach to writing well-organized and
persuasive analytical paragraphs in literary essays (and other types of essays as
well). It helps you present your ideas clearly and support them effectively with
textual evidence. The acronym stands for:
Point
Evidence
Explanation
Link
Here's a breakdown of each element:
P - Point (Topic Sentence):
This is the main argument or idea of your paragraph.
It should directly relate to the essay's overall thesis statement and answer a
specific part of the essay question.
It should be clear, concise, and focused.
Think of it as the mini-thesis for your paragraph.
Example (Essay question: How does Shakespeare present the theme of fate in
Romeo and Juliet?):
> One significant way Shakespeare presents the theme of fate is through the
repeated use of foreshadowing in the dialogue and actions of the characters.
E - Evidence (Quote or Example):
This is the textual evidence from the literary work (the quote, a specific event, a
character's action) that supports your point.
It should be carefully selected and directly relevant to the point you are making.
Always integrate the evidence smoothly into your own sentence(s), rather than
just dropping it in.
Include the speaker (if it's dialogue) and the act and scene (if applicable) for
plays.
Example (Continuing the previous point):
For instance, in Act 1, Scene 4, Romeo expresses a strong sense of foreboding
before attending the Capulet feast, stating, "I fear, too early; for my mind
misgives / Some consequence yet hanging in the stars / Shall bitterly begin his
fearful date / With this night's revels..." (1.4.106-110).
E - Explanation (Analysis and Interpretation):
This is the most crucial part of the paragraph. Here, you explain how your
evidence supports your point.
Don't just summarize the quote or event; analyze its significance.
Explain the meaning of the words, the implications of the action, the effect on
the reader or other characters, and how it connects back to your point and the
overall essay question.
Consider literary devices (metaphor, simile, imagery, etc.) and their contribution
to the meaning.
Example (Continuing the previous paragraph):
> Romeo's words clearly foreshadow the tragic events that will unfold as a
direct result of his attendance at the feast. The phrase "consequence yet
hanging in the stars" explicitly suggests a predetermined destiny, hinting that
the meeting with Juliet and the ensuing love and conflict are beyond their
control. The use of "bitterly begin his fearful date" creates a sense of impending
doom, alerting the audience to the tragic path the characters are about to
embark on.
L - Link (Transition):
This is the sentence that connects your paragraph back to the main argument of
your essay or transitions smoothly to the next paragraph and its related point.
It provides closure to the current paragraph and reinforces its relevance to the
overall thesis.
Example (Concluding the paragraph):
> Therefore, Shakespeare utilizes Romeo's premonition as a key device to
establish the theme of fate early in the play, suggesting that the lovers are
indeed "star-crossed" and their tragic end is, in some sense, inevitable.
In summary, a well-written PEEL paragraph will:
Clearly state its main idea (Point).
Provide specific textual support (Evidence).
Thoroughly analyze the significance of that support (Explanation).
Connect back to the essay's main argument or lead into the next point (Link).
How to Apply PEEL in Your Essay:
Plan your essay: Develop a clear thesis statement and identify the main
arguments you will use to support it.
Structure your body paragraphs: For each argument, think about the Point you
want to make.
Find your Evidence: Locate relevant quotes or examples from the text that
directly support your Point.
Explain your Evidence: Analyze the chosen evidence in detail, explaining its
meaning and significance in relation to your Point and the overall essay question.
Link your paragraph: Write a concluding sentence that ties your paragraph back
to your thesis or transitions to the next idea.
