PEEL Writing TechniquePEEL Writing Technique

Adapted byNovella Springette

Adapted byNovella Springette

5 Paragraph Essay

• Introduction• Body Paragraph 1• Body Paragraph 2• Body Paragraph 3• Conclusion

Introduction• Introduction – provides the context for the topic, states the

thesis and previews the main points or arguments to support the thesis.

C Contextualize Provide some relevant background or context to the question. It could be related material or information thatplaces the question into historical or social context.

A Arguments Identify the separate arguments in a very brief manner. These will become topic sentences for the paragraphs. (2-3 arguments)

T Thesis State the thesis (1 or 2 sentences) in a manner that linksto the arguments you previewed. It should have an analytical or evaluative tone and provide a decision / response to the question you have been asked.

Essay QuestionIn Raising Scores 123 is

easier than ABC• After you have read, determine one central

idea from the text and write an essay that both summarizes and analyzes how that central idea is conveyed through particular details. Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis. Follow the conventions of standard written English. Write your essay in the space provided on the next pages.

• http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/30/education/reading-gains-lag-improvements-in-math.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Introduction ExampleResearch shows that in raising scores on standardized tests, it is far easier to raise math scores than those of English. While math is taught predominantly in school, it is expected that students will begin school with a certain level of vocabulary and writing skills. Public and charter schools have experienced success raising math scores but have failed to do nearly as well with English scores. Math is culturally neutrally while reading requires background knowledge. All of these factors add to the continued difficulty that is being experienced all across the USA in raising English scores versus those of math.

Contextualization• Research shows that in raising

scores on standardized tests, it is far easier to raise math scores than those of English.

Argument 1

• While math is taught predominantly in school, it is expected that students will begin school with a certain level of vocabulary and writing skills.

Argument 2

• Public and charter schools have experienced success raising math scores but have failed to do nearly as well with English scores.

Argument 3

• Math is culturally neutrally while reading requires background knowledge.

Thesis(Your understanding of the main ideaThe whole essay revolves around this)

• These factors add to the continued difficulty that is being experienced all across the USA in raising English scores versus those of math.

Body Paragraph

P Point A topic sentence that introduces the point or central argument to be made in the paragraph. It may connect with the linking sentence of the previous paragraph.

E Explanation In 1-2 sentences, explain in more detail the statement made in the topic sentence. Clarify and expand on all parts of the topic sentence.

E Evidence Cite evidence to support and prove the point.

L Link Linking sentences perform 2 roles: to link the material ofthis paragraph back to the point of your paragraph and also to your thesis.

A paragraph is a unified piece of writing in which a single idea or topic is developed. It may stand alone as, for example, the answer to a short response question or it may be part of an extended piece of prose writing.

Body Paragraph 1• While math is taught predominantly in school, it is expected

that students will begin school with a certain level of vocabulary and writing skills. When children from low, middle, and high income backgrounds enter school they all start learning math from the same point but this is not true for English. In the 1980s, the psychologists Betty Hart and Tood R. Risley found that by the time they are four years old, children from poor families have hard 32 million fewer words than children with professional parents. While parents don’t tuck their kids in at night and read equations they do read kids bedtime stories which is not necessarily true for students from low-income households. Children from low-income households start school behind their peers in terms of vocabulary and exposure to literacy discussions which contributes to the difficulties experienced in raising standardized scores in English.

Body ParagraphFirst Sentence =

Argument One in Introduction

• While math is taught predominantly in school, it is expected that students will begin school with a certain level of vocabulary and writing skills.

• Taken as is from the introduction• This is the main point of the entire

paragraph

Body ParagraphExplanation

• When children from low, middle, and high income backgrounds enter school they all start learning math from the same point but this is not true for English.

• The Topic sentence must be explained thoroughly

Body ParagraphEvidence from Text

• In the 1980s, the psychologists Betty Hart and Tood R. Risley found that by the time they are four years old, children from poor families have hard 32 million fewer words than children with professional parents. While parents don’t tuck their kids in at night and read equations they do read kids bedtime stories which is not necessarily true for students from low-income households.

• This evidence must be taken from the passage that was provided

Body ParagraphLink – Topic Sentence / Thesis

• Children from low-income households start school behind their peers in terms of vocabulary and exposure to literacy discussions which contributes to the difficulties experienced in raising standardized scores in English.

• This sentence links to both the Topic sentence which starts the paragraph and the thesis sentence in the introduction

Assignment

• Write Body Paragraphs 2 and 3 in your groups

Conclusion• Conclusion — confirms or restates the thesis and key arguments.

T Thesis Restate the thesis, perhaps in a slightly different form tothat used in the introduction

A Arguments Make clear the separate arguments that were presented inthe essay, including the way each point is interrelatedand/or linked

G General statement End your essay with a final, summarizing statement

Conclusion Example• As a result of the aforementioned factors

schools all across the USA continue to experience difficulty in raising English scores versus those of math. Math is taught predominantly at school while English is not. Math is culturally neutral while English requires background knowledge. Public and charter schools have more success raising math scores as opposed to English scores. Nonetheless, there is still hope that one day the gap may be closed.

ConclusionRestate the Thesis

• As a result of the aforementioned factors schools all across the USA continue to experience difficulty in raising English scores versus those of math.

ConclusionClarify the Arguments

• Math is taught predominantly at school while English is not. Math is culturally neutral while English requires background knowledge. Public and charter schools have more success raising math scores as opposed to English scores.

ConclusionGeneral Statement

• Nonetheless, there is still hope that one day the gap may be closed.