Writing: The Structure of an Essay
B2 Lesson 3: Crafting Effective Body Paragraphs (The PEEL Method)
Listen to the PEEL method explained.
Before You Start 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
These are the building blocks of an academic paragraph.
What is the PEEL Method?
A body paragraph in an essay is like a mini-essay. It needs one main idea, support for that idea, and a connection to the bigger topic. The PEEL method is a powerful framework that ensures your paragraph is clear, supported, and effective.
This is your Topic Sentence. State your one main idea for this paragraph clearly. It should directly support the main argument (thesis) of your essay.
Why? It tells the reader exactly what this paragraph will argue.
Provide proof for your point. This can be a statistic, a quote from an expert, a fact, or a specific example.
Why? It shows you have research to support your idea; you're not just giving an empty opinion.
This is the most important step. Explain how and why your evidence proves your point. This is your analysis. Use phrases like "This shows that...", "This is important because...", or "This demonstrates...".
Why? It connects your evidence back to your point and shows your own critical thinking.
This is your concluding sentence. It links the main idea of this paragraph back to the essay's main argument (your thesis statement) or previews the next paragraph.
Why? It creates good flow (cohesion) and reminds the reader how your paragraph fits into the bigger picture.
PEEL in Action: Boring vs. Good Paragraph
Essay Topic: "What are the benefits of integrating technology in classrooms?"
WEAK (B1 Level) 😴
Technology is good in classrooms. Students use tablets. Tablets have many apps for learning. Students can learn English and Math. This is why technology is helpful.
Analysis: This is just a list of simple facts. It has no clear Point, no specific Evidence, and no Explanation of *why* this matters.
GOOD (B2 PEEL) 👍
(P) One of the primary benefits of integrating technology is that it promotes independent, self-paced learning. (E) For instance, educational apps on tablets allow students to review difficult concepts, like complex math problems, at their own speed without pressure. (E) This is crucial because it moves education away from a "one-size-fits-all" model. Advanced students can move ahead, while others can get extra support without feeling left behind. (L) Therefore, this shift towards a more personalized and flexible learning environment is a key reason why technology is so beneficial in modern classrooms.
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the PEEL components
Read the paragraph below, then answer the questions.
(1) Adopting a four-day work week can significantly boost employee productivity and well-being. (2) A recent trial in the UK showed that 71% of companies reported lower levels of employee burnout, and 39% said their staff were less stressed. (3) This clearly demonstrates that when employees are given more time for rest and personal life, their mental health improves, leading to higher focus and motivation during work hours. (4) As a result, this model offers a clear path for companies looking to improve both output and employee retention.
1. Which sentence is the P (Point)?
2. Which sentence is the E (Evidence)?
3. Which sentence is the E (Explanation)?
4. Which sentence is the L (Link)?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Topic Sentence
The main idea of a paragraph, usually the first sentence.
-
Evidence
Facts, statistics, examples, or quotes that prove your point.
-
Explanation / Analysis
Your thinking that connects the evidence back to the main point.
-
Link / Cohesion
Connecting your paragraph's idea back to the main essay argument.
-
Thesis Statement
The main argument or central idea of your *entire* essay.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Write Your First PEEL Paragraph
Now, it's your turn to practice. Here is a Topic (Thesis) and a Point (Topic Sentence). Your mission is to write the rest of the paragraph (the E, E, and L).
Essay Topic: "The benefits of tourism in Cambodia."
Your Point (P): "One of the main benefits of tourism is that it creates thousands of jobs for local people."
Your Turn (write 3-4 more sentences):
(E) Evidence: (Give an example. e.g., "For example, in Siem Reap, many people work in...")
(E) Explanation: (Explain why this is important. e.g., "This is important because...")
(L) Link: (Connect back to the main topic. e.g., "Therefore, the growth of tourism is vital for...")