Writing about texts: point, evidence, explain · Grade 8

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.

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