Improving Your Essay Writing with the PEE Method

Are you struggling to effectively structure your paragraphs in your essay? Do you want to impress your readers with your writing skills and knowledge? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to the PEE method - a valuable tool for creating cohesive and persuasive paragraphs. We will explore what PEE paragraphs are, their purpose, and when to use them in your essay. Let's get started!

What is a PEE paragraph?

The acronym PEE stands for Point, Evidence, and Explain - the three essential elements of a PEE paragraph. It is a technique used to construct a strong argument and to focus your ideas, making it easy for your readers to follow your essay. PEE paragraphs demonstrate your understanding of the essay question and your ability to articulate a detailed response.

The importance of using PEE paragraphs

PEE paragraphs help to create a well-organized and structured argument. They also showcase your strong grasp of the topic and your ability to use your knowledge to support your argument. These paragraphs are crucial in persuading your readers to agree with your point of view.

When should you use PEE paragraphs?

PEE paragraphs are typically used in the main body of your essay, after the introduction. They are used to build your argument and to persuade your readers to agree with your opinion. For example, you could write a PEE paragraph arguing against a point, followed by another one in support of it.

The structure of a PEE paragraph

Now that you understand why and when to use PEE paragraphs, let's examine their structure more closely. It is important to note that you do not need to divide the paragraph into separate sections or use subheadings for each part. Your PEE paragraph should flow smoothly and seamlessly.

Point:

Your PEE paragraph should begin with a clear and concise statement related to the essay question. This is the point that you want to argue or prove, and you will develop it further throughout the paragraph. Remember, your goal is to convince your readers of your opinion. A strong point demonstrates your understanding of the topic and your well-crafted response. When choosing a point, consider the following questions:

• What is my main argument?
• Does this point relate to the essay question?
• Does this point support my overall argument?
• Can I expand on this point further?

For making an alternate point that challenges the previous one, you can use words or phrases such as "Alternatively," "However," "In contrast," or "On the other hand."

Evidence:

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and impress your readers. Evidence is used to support your point and justify its validity. It can take the form of a direct quote or a paraphrase.

A direct quote uses the exact words of someone else, which should be enclosed in quotation marks and properly cited (including the author, date, and title of the source). Avoid lengthy quotes; instead, choose a concise and relevant one to support your point.

Alternatively, paraphrasing involves expressing someone else's ideas in your own words. You do not need to use quotation marks, but you should still reference any ideas you have taken from other sources.

Using evidence in your PEE paragraphs demonstrates your ability to craft a compelling argument and your understanding of the topic. It also adds credibility to your point. When selecting evidence, ask yourself:

• Does this quote effectively support my point?
• Is it relevant to my argument?
• Can I provide further explanation?
• Is it concise and directly to the point?

Now that you have a strong understanding of the PEE method, try using it in your next essay to create well-structured and persuasive paragraphs. Happy writing!

Using Multiple Examples for Stronger Evidence

Including multiple examples to support your point not only demonstrates thorough research, but also strengthens your argument.

The Role of Evidence and Critical Thinking in Forming Strong Arguments

When discussing topics such as the potential misogyny in Robin Lakoff's work, incorporating a quote from Lakoff's book (1975) can effectively reinforce your argument and provide room for further analysis and elaboration.

After presenting evidence, it is essential to clarify its relevance to your point and what it implies. This demonstrates your analytical skills and impresses the reader. By interpreting the evidence and drawing your own conclusions, you exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the subject and exhibit creativity. Let's delve deeper into this subject...

The Significance of Critical Thinking in Explaining Evidence

Critical thinking involves skillfully evaluating and examining information. It shows the ability to consider diverse viewpoints and opinions while developing one's own perspective. When explaining evidence, ask yourself why you chose it, what it conveys, and how it connects to your argument. This not only strengthens your stance, but also gives insight into your thought process. Here are some sentence starters to aid in explaining evidence:

• This indicates that...
• It implies that...
• This means that...
• This proves that...
• This quote/example shows...
• It is evident that...
• Thus...
• Because of this...
• This points to the idea that...

It is crucial to tie your explanation back to the essay prompt. This reflects your comprehension of the question and how your argument directly addresses it. You can do this by rephrasing a part of the question as a statement at the end of your paragraph. For instance, for the prompt "Discuss the impact of the internet on communication," you could conclude your paragraph with "This shows that the internet has/has not (depending on your stance) positively influenced communication because..."

Also, incorporating connections between paragraphs ensures that your argument flows smoothly and all your ideas are interconnected.

Example Paragraph Using PEE Method

This PEE paragraph example is color-coded for clarity:

• Blue: Point
• Pink: Evidence
• Green: Explain

Example essay prompt: "Analyze how Shakespeare utilizes language techniques in Romeo and Juliet to portray the character of Juliet."

Throughout the play, Shakespeare employs extended metaphors to not only showcase Juliet's aspirations for the future but also the unattainable nature of love. This is evident in the iconic balcony scene where Romeo professes his love for Juliet and compares her to the sun, declaring "Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief, that thou her maid art far more fair than she." (Romeo and Juliet, 1597, Act II, Scene 2). The use of this metaphor emphasizes the intensity of Romeo's feelings for Juliet, as he views her as the brighter, more beautiful entity in his life.

In the novel The Great Gatsby, the color green symbolizes wealth and prosperity, something that Gatsby was fortunate to possess. However, the ethereal green light in the story represents the unattainable American dream, not only for Gatsby but for the entire nation. This suggests that although Gatsby was optimistic about his future, he was ultimately led astray by unattainable goals and never fully achieved his dream. Additionally, the color green is also associated with negative emotions such as greed and envy, which ultimately led to Gatsby's downfall and portrayed him as a tragic and delusional character. His immense wealth corrupted him, and he fell victim to a false dream.

Understanding PEE Paragraphs in Essay Writing

When it comes to crafting an effective essay, the "explain" part is a crucial element that ties the evidence back to the main question. This is where the PEE paragraph comes in.

So, what exactly is a PEE paragraph? Put simply, it is a paragraph that consists of a point, evidence, and explanation. This acronym stands for point, evidence, and explain, and it is commonly used in essay writing to create a clear and concise argument. By utilizing PEE paragraphs, you can keep your essay focused and coherent.

PEE paragraphs are typically used in the main body of an essay, following the introduction. This helps to provide a well-structured and organized essay that is easy for the reader to follow.

While using a quote as evidence is preferred in a PEE paragraph, it is also possible to use other forms of evidence, such as paraphrasing. It is important, however, to ensure that the evidence used is relevant to the rest of the essay and comes from a reliable source. Additionally, proper citation of the evidence is crucial. Incorporating PEE paragraphs into your writing can be an effective tool in strengthening your arguments and presenting a well-supported essay.