Structuring Your Main Point Notes

What Even Is PEEL?

1. PEEL is a structure that makes your ideas land.

2. Think of PEEL as the four-part recipe for writing a body paragraph that doesn’t just sit there but slaps.

3. To break it down:
   1. P = Point
      1. This is your topic sentence. It's not a vague statement like “the writer uses metaphor.” It’s your clear claim for the paragraph, what the writer is doing and why.
      2. Smart move: Link it directly to the guiding question. That way, your examiner already sees you’re focused.
   2. E = Evidence
      1. Now you back it up. A short, well-chosen quote or description from the extract that clearly supports your point.
      2. Don't just throw in a line because it sounds fancy, use the one that gives you something to analyze.
   3. E = Explanation
      1. This is where you flex your analysis muscles. Don’t just identify the technique, go deeper.
      2. What effect does it create? What’s the tone? What is the writer really saying under the surface? Connect it back to your main argument.
   4. L = Link
      1. Tie it back to the guiding question and your thesis.
      2. This shows the examiner you’re not just doing technique-spotting you’re actually building a coherent argument.

Step 1: Point (Topic Sentence)

1. What to do:
   1. Start with a clear, specific, and analytical sentence that states your main idea.
   2. This must include the writer’s purpose or intended effect.
2. Avoid vague descriptions:
   1. Instead of describing what’s happening, explain why the writer does it.

Step 2: Evidence (Quote Selection)

1. What to do:
   1. Choose 2 to 3 short, precise quotes that contain strong techniques relevant to your point. These are your textual evidence.
2. Your quotes should:
   1. Directly support the point you're making.