Writer's Toolkit: The PEEL Paragraph

Building Strong, Persuasive Arguments

What is the PEEL Method?

How do you build an argument that is logical, convincing, and easy for your reader to follow? A powerful tool used in persuasive writing is the PEEL paragraph structure. PEEL is an acronym that stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link. It provides a clear framework for each paragraph, ensuring that you don't just state your opinion, but you support it with facts and connect it back to your main argument. Using PEEL helps to create well-structured, persuasive essays and speeches.

Deconstructing a PEEL Paragraph

P - Point (Te Take)

The main idea of your paragraph. It should be a clear topic sentence that states the argument you are about to make.

Example: Integrating traditional Māori games into school sports programmes is essential for honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

E - Evidence (Taunakitanga)

The facts, statistics, examples, or quotes that support your point. This is your proof.

Example: The Ministry of Education's 2023 report, 'Ka Ora, Ka Ako', highlighted that only 15% of schools have a dedicated programme for Tākararo (traditional Māori games).

E - Explanation (Whakamārama)

Explain how your evidence proves your point. This is where you analyse the information and show your thinking.

Example: This statistic demonstrates a significant gap in fulfilling our partnership obligations under Te Tiriti. By actively teaching and playing games like Kī-o-rahi, schools can validate Māori culture and provide a space for Māori students to excel.

L - Link (Hononga)

Connect your point back to the main topic or thesis of your essay. It summarises the paragraph's argument.

Example: Therefore, making Tākararo a core part of the physical education curriculum is a vital step towards creating a truly bicultural learning environment.

He Whakamārama Anō (Deeper Explanation)

The PEEL structure is more than just a formula; it's a tool for building mana in your writing. When you state a clear Point, you show confidence. When you provide strong Evidence, you show that your argument is based on more than just your own opinion. Your Explanation is where you demonstrate your own thinking (whakaaro), and the Link ensures your reader never gets lost. A well-crafted PEEL paragraph leaves no room for doubt.

Whakamātauria! (Try it!)

1. Deconstruction: Read the paragraph below and identify the P, E, E, and L components.

Allowing cell phones in classrooms can be a major distraction from learning. For example, a recent survey showed that students spend an average of 25 minutes per day on non-academic activities on their phones during class time. This time spent on social media or games is time taken directly away from valuable instruction and focused work, ultimately hindering academic progress. Consequently, to maintain a productive learning environment, cell phone use must be restricted during lessons.

Point: ___________________________________________________

Evidence: ___________________________________________________

Explanation: ___________________________________________________

Link: ___________________________________________________

2. Application: Use the PEEL framework to write a paragraph arguing that all students should be required to learn Te Reo Māori. (You can invent reasonable evidence for this task).

🌟 Related Te Kete Ako Resources - Ngā Rauemi Hono

📝 Practice PEEL with Real Issues

Economic Justice:

Apply PEEL structure to argue for housing affordability solutions

→ Housing Crisis Analysis

Environmental Issues:

Structure arguments about climate change and sustainability

→ Environmental Framework

Technology Ethics:

Build arguments about AI impact and digital citizenship

→ AI Impact Analysis

🏆 PEEL Assessment Strategies

Peer Review:

Students review each other's PEEL paragraphs using structured feedback forms

Progressive Building:

Start with single PEEL paragraphs, build to multi-paragraph essays

Real-World Application:

Write PEEL arguments for community issues and local newspaper submissions