What does the PEEL technique stand for in writing about literature?

• A. Plot, Evidence, End, Lead.
• B. Point, Evidence, Explain, Link; used to structure analytical paragraphs and develop a clear argument.
• C. Paragraph, Evidence, Explain, Link.
• D. Purpose, Evidence, Explain, Locate.

Answer: (B)

PEEL is a writing structure that helps you build a clear, logical analytical paragraph about a text. Point is the claim you’re making—the idea you want to prove about the literature. Evidence is the quotation or specific detail from the text that backs up that claim. Explain is your analysis of how the evidence shows the point, unpacking meaning, technique, and effect. Link ties this point to the overall argument or to the next point, keeping the paragraph coherent and connected.

For example, if you argue that a character’s courage is shown by a risky choice, your Point states the claim, your Evidence provides the exact moment or quote, your Explain analyzes why that moment demonstrates courage and how literary devices contribute to that impression, and your Link connects this idea to your broader thesis about resilience in the text.