PEEL and PEAL paragraphs explained, with an example
PEEL and PEAL are two simple ways to build a paragraph that proves a point. They are used in many schools for essays and argument writing. Each letter is one job the paragraph has to do.
PEEL
Point, Evidence, Explain, Link.
- Point: say what you are arguing in one sentence.
- Evidence: give a fact, quote or example that backs it up.
- Explain: say what the evidence shows and why it supports the point.
- Link: connect back to the question or on to the next idea.
PEAL
The same idea with Analysis in place of Explain. Analysis means saying why the evidence matters and what effect it has, not just what it shows. It is used a lot when writing about texts and when building arguments.
A worked example
Question: should children have less homework?
- Point: Children should have less homework because they need time to rest.
- Evidence: A school day is already about six hours of learning, and many children also have clubs and chores.
- Analysis: Tired children find it harder to concentrate, so extra homework late in the evening may teach them less than the same time asleep.
- Link: Therefore a lighter homework load would help children learn better, not worse.
Common mistakes
- Writing the point and the evidence but skipping the explanation, which is where most marks are earned.
- Choosing evidence that does not really prove the point.
- Forgetting to link back, so the paragraph ends without a conclusion.
Practise it
Pick a simple question, such as the example above, and write one paragraph using each part in turn. Then label the four parts with different coloured pencils. LiteracyLab AI shows the framework labelled in a student's own response and in a model response for the same task.
Common questions
What is the difference between PEEL and PEAL?
Only the third letter. Explain says what the evidence shows, and Analysis goes further to say why it matters and its effect.
Does every paragraph need all four parts?
In a structured essay it is a good habit. Writers can vary the order once they are confident.
Get feedback on your child's writing
LiteracyLab AI reads a child's own writing and gives specific feedback: what worked, one thing to try next, and a corrected version, matched to their year and curriculum. The Free plan includes 3 pieces a month and needs no card.