ELA: How to Build a Body Paragraph (PEEL) Practice
Practice writing Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link sentences
ELA: How to Build a Body Paragraph (PEEL) Practice
Practice writing Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link sentences
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
What does each letter in PEEL stand for? Write one sentence explaining the purpose of each part.
Think of PEEL as the order for building a strong body paragraph.
PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link. The Point states the main idea of the paragraph. The Evidence gives a fact, quote, or example that supports the point. The Explain sentence tells how the evidence proves the point. The Link connects the paragraph back to the main claim or leads to the next idea. - 2
Read this sentence: School uniforms help students focus more on learning. Which part of PEEL is this sentence most likely to be: Point, Evidence, Explain, or Link? Explain your answer.
This sentence is most likely the Point because it states the main idea of the paragraph. It gives the reader the topic that the paragraph will support. - 3
Topic: Should students have homework every night? Write a strong Point sentence that clearly takes a position.
A Point sentence should be clear, focused, and arguable.
A strong Point sentence could be: Students should not have homework every night because they need time to rest, spend time with family, and take part in activities outside of school. This sentence clearly states a position and gives the paragraph a direction. - 4
Claim: Reading for 20 minutes each night helps students become stronger readers. Choose the best evidence from the list and explain why it is the strongest. A: My cousin likes reading fantasy books. B: A school study found that students who read nightly improved their vocabulary scores. C: Some books have colorful covers.
Choice B is the strongest evidence because it gives specific information from a study that directly supports the claim. It shows a connection between nightly reading and improved vocabulary scores. - 5
Read the evidence: In a class survey, 18 out of 24 students said they felt less stressed after having quiet reading time. Write an Explain sentence that shows how this evidence supports the point that quiet reading time benefits students.
Do not just repeat the evidence. Tell why it matters.
This evidence shows that quiet reading time benefits students because most of the class reported feeling less stressed after it. If students feel calmer, they may be more ready to learn and participate. - 6
Read this paragraph: Recycling should be required at school. Many students throw away paper, bottles, and cans every day. This shows that schools can reduce waste by giving students an easy way to recycle. Add a Link sentence that connects back to the main idea.
A strong Link sentence could be: For this reason, requiring recycling at school would help students make choices that protect the environment. This sentence connects the explanation back to the main idea about required recycling. - 7
Label each sentence as Point, Evidence, Explain, or Link. 1: Team sports teach students responsibility. 2: For example, players must attend practices on time and bring the correct equipment. 3: These expectations help students learn to be prepared and dependable. 4: Therefore, playing team sports can help students build habits that are useful in school and life.
Look for the job each sentence is doing in the paragraph.
Sentence 1 is the Point because it states the main idea. Sentence 2 is the Evidence because it gives a specific example. Sentence 3 is the Explain sentence because it tells how the example supports the point. Sentence 4 is the Link because it connects the paragraph back to the larger idea. - 8
Revise this weak Point sentence to make it clearer and more specific: There are many things about cafeteria food.
A stronger Point sentence could be: The school cafeteria should offer more fresh food options because healthier meals can help students feel better and focus in class. This version is clearer because it states a specific opinion and reason. - 9
Topic: Social media use among middle school students. Write one piece of evidence that could support this point: Too much social media can distract students from schoolwork.
Evidence can be a fact, statistic, expert idea, example, or detail from a text.
A strong piece of evidence could be: A student survey found that many students check social media while doing homework, which causes assignments to take longer. This supports the point because it shows how social media can interrupt focus. - 10
Read this PEEL paragraph draft: School libraries are important. They have books. This is good. So libraries matter. Rewrite the paragraph to make each PEEL part stronger.
Improve the paragraph by adding specific evidence and a deeper explanation.
A stronger paragraph could be: School libraries are important because they give students access to books, research materials, and quiet study spaces. For example, students can use library books and databases to complete class projects even if they do not have many resources at home. This support helps all students learn more fairly and become more independent researchers. Because of these benefits, school libraries should remain a key part of every school. - 11
The Explain part of PEEL is often the longest part of a body paragraph. Explain why this part is important.
The Explain part is important because it shows the reader how the evidence supports the point. Without explanation, the reader may not understand why the evidence matters or how it proves the writer's claim. - 12
Write a complete PEEL body paragraph for this claim: Schools should have longer lunch periods. Include a Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link.
Use four clear parts in order: Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link.
A complete PEEL paragraph could be: Schools should have longer lunch periods because students need enough time to eat and recharge during the day. For example, many students spend part of lunch waiting in line and have only a few minutes left to eat. When students rush through lunch, they may feel hungry, stressed, or less prepared for afternoon classes. Therefore, longer lunch periods could help students feel healthier and more focused throughout the school day.