In academic writing, it is challenging for students to write perfect paragraphs in an argumentative essay that represent their thoughts. They often stare blankly at the paper as they are confused about how to articulate their opinion in writing. Sounds like you? You are not alone. According to the ResearchGate study, 75% of students cannot even write basic-level academic documents.
But don’t worry; there is an effective method that can tackle this situation: the PEEL method. PEEL format for argumentative essays is the popular technique to structure your opinions in the best possible way. In this article, we’ll discuss this method, its format, and how you can write a perfect argumentative essay using this technique. Let’s get started.
What is the PEEL Method?
The PEEL method is a writing technique that aims to present thoughts or ideas effectively. This method allows writers to organise their ideas so that the writing becomes more understandable for readers. This technique is used for writing any kind of academic paper, but it is helpful, particularly for argumentative essays. If you don’t know how to use this technique, get assistance from a legit essay writing service for your academic document.
What Does PEEL Mean?
PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link. Each component of this format serves a specific purpose for writing a paragraph for an argumentative essay.
Have a look at the purpose of each component.
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Point
The point is the opening sentence of your essay’s paragraph. This sentence serves as the main argument that will be discussed in the paragraph. It should be clear, concise, and understandable for the readers.
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Evidence
The evidence is the supporting sentence for the main point of the paragraph. It can be statistical data, a fact, a quotation, or any reference from credible sources. The purpose of evidence is to strengthen the main idea of the paragraph.
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Explanation
The explanation provides the significance and relevance of the evidence. It establishes a connection between the main point and evidence by interpretation and analysis. This part allows writers to demonstrate their critical thinking skills.
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Link
The link is the last sentence of the paragraph that makes the connection with the subsequent paragraph. Generally, it is the smooth transition that guides readers to move from one idea to another. This link maintains coherence and flow throughout the document.
So, you have learned what the PEEL method is. Now, explore how you can use the PEEL format for argumentative essays.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Use PEEL Format for Argumentative Essay
Structuring your ideas and logically presenting them is an art, and mastering this art can be challenging but not impossible at all. The PEEL format for argumentative essays is the best way to structure your thoughts.
You can follow the steps below to use the PEEL method for your argumentative essay.
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Introduce the Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is the opening sentence of the paragraph that states the main point; therefore, it must be clear and concise. Start your paragraph with a sentence which carries the main idea or concept of the paragraph. Moreover, it should be relevant and interesting.
Follow the below tips to write an effective topic sentence.
- Write a short topic sentence that is easily understandable for readers. If you find yourself writing a long sentence, try to break it down into pieces.
- Read your topic sentence aloud to ensure that it makes sense.
- Ensure that your sentence directly relates to your thesis statement or essay prompt.
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Add the Main Idea and Elaborate It
Each paragraph of an argumentative essay consists of one main idea or concept. After writing the topic sentence, establish the background for your main idea. This idea is called the ‘anchor’ idea or concept that guides the readers throughout the essay.
You can establish the main idea by providing a summary of what you are going to present in the entire paragraph. It serves as the roadmap for the readers to understand the context of the paragraph. Moreover, like the topic sentence, it should also support the essay’s main idea and be directly related to the thesis statement.
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Provide Evidence to Support the Point
When you use the PEEL format for argumentative essays, the most critical step is to explain how your argument is true. The best way to strengthen your main idea is by presenting evidence and reasoning. Evidence is a fact or some data that helps you to prove yourself right.
Generally, there are two types of evidence use in structuring your paragraphs which are the following:
- Concrete Evidence: It is also known as the specific evidence which is used for a specific point at a particular point.
- General Evidence: The general evidence applies to many situations.
However, keep in mind that the evidence is more than just stating the facts. It is based on a critical analysis of the established facts and provides a summary that eventually strengthens your point. Also, avoid making any assumptions at this stage.
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Add Details of Evidence
It is the leading step of the PEEL format for argumentative essays and demonstrates your expertise and skills. Adding details allows you to explain and support your evidence. It provides a bigger picture to your readers of what you are trying to present. You must analyse and interpret your evidence to write the best explanation for your essay paragraphs.
Following are some effective ways to add details to your evidence.
- Write the interpretation of your evidence in words.
- Explain your evidence using well-elaborated examples.
- Use effective and short quotes to explain your stance.
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Conclude with a Strong Line
The best way to conclude an argumentative essay paragraph is to use a strong punching sentence. This line gives a clear picture of the main concept to the readers. Therefore, write the punch line in such a way that it compels your readers to think more about your stance.
Also, ensure that your concluding sentence is relevant to what you are discussing in the entire paragraph, and it should also relate to the thesis statement of your essay. It must create a connection between your evidence and your thesis statement.
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End with a Linking Sentence
After writing the punching line, it is time to link all the points back to your thesis statement. This sentence must be concise, providing a smooth transition from one idea to another. Moreover, it should address how this point relates to the rest of your essay.
This linking sentence gives a good flow to your argumentative essay and makes sense to your readers. If linking is lacking in your essay, then it becomes incoherent. The best approach to writing linking sentences is to relate it to the initial point of the paragraph. Also, make sure that you are not going beyond the track of the main theme of your essay.
Best Tips to Use PEEL Method Effectively
We have shared detailed steps for how to follow the PEEL format for argumentative essays; if you are still confused, you can approach UK-based essay writing firms to get support from professional writers.
Apart from this, you can follow the below tips to use the PEEL method effectively.
- Always use different types of evidence that are related to your main topic to strengthen the main point.
- Maintain a clear and concise tone in your document to make it more understandable for readers.
- An essay is a highly professional academic document, so use academic language.
- Always explain your arguments clearly and effectively to maintain a logical flow.
PEEL Format for Argumentative Essay Example
The PEEL method is an effective writing method, too, but it is a bit tricky. Check out the example below of the PEEL format for argumentative essays by Medium for a better understanding. In this example, you can see how the writer has structured the four components of the PEEL techniques.