Writing about texts: point, evidence, explain

When you write about a text, build each paragraph with Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE): make a point, back it up with a short quotation, then explain what the quotation shows.

Key facts

  • Point: a clear sentence that answers the question: ⟦The writer shows that the forest is dangerous.⟧
  • Evidence: a short quotation in quotation marks, ideally embedded in your own sentence: ⟦The trees are described as "twisted claws".⟧
  • Explain: what the quotation suggests and its effect on the reader: ⟦This metaphor makes the trees seem like a monster ready to attack.⟧
  • Quote only the words you need, and copy them exactly. Put quotation marks around the words from the text only.
  • Useful words for explaining: ⟦suggests⟧, ⟦shows⟧, ⟦implies⟧, ⟦emphasises⟧, ⟦makes the reader feel⟧. Some teachers call it PEA, PEEL or PETAL: the idea is the same.

Worked examples

Example 1

Which part is this? ⟦She says she is "fine", but her voice is "barely a whisper".⟧

  1. The sentence quotes the text.
  2. Quoting the text is evidence.

Answer: evidence

Example 2

Embed the quotation ⟦cold and empty⟧: ⟦The writer describes the room as cold and empty.⟧

  1. ⟦cold and empty⟧ are the words from the text.
  2. Put quotation marks around only those words.

Answer: ⟦The writer describes the room as "cold and empty".⟧

Example 3

Write an explanation for: ⟦The wind "screamed" through the trees.⟧

  1. Name the word and its class.
  2. Say what it makes the reader imagine or feel.

Answer: ⟦The verb "screamed" makes the wind sound like a person in terror, creating a frightening mood.⟧