Let’s P.E.E. on that test!! Point, Evidence, and Explain.

P= Point Make a Point in the first sentence of your paragraph by turning the prompt into a statement. If you already have stated your thesis, your point will be the topic sentence of your paragraph.

Here’s an example of a writing prompt or question: Writing Topic Write a multiparagraph letter to convince your teacher whether or not handwriting should be taught in school. Use details from the passage to support your opinion.

Now, here is that prompt turned into a statement: Schools should teach handwriting.

E=Evidence Now that you have made your point, it is time to use some evidence to support your statement. YOU MUST FIND EVIDENCE FROM THE PASSAGE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR POINT!!!

Here is a good example of some evidence to support the Point: According to Marlena Hamilton, Professor of Neurology at University of Pennsylvania, “brains are much less involved when we just view letters. When we actually use our hands to make things, the brain works much harder.”

Make sure that if you are responding to a text that your evidence comes from that text!!!

E=Explain You always have to explain the evidence you give to support your point.

Here is the evidence explained. This evidence proves that when we write we are much more likely to remember what we are trying to learn because our brains are active.

Let’s put it all together: Schools should teach handwriting. According to Marlena Hamilton, Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, “brains are much less involved when we just view letters. When we actually use our hands to make things, the brain works much harder.” This evidence proves that when students write they are much more likely to remember what they are trying to learn because their brains are active.

History Writing Prompt: What changes occurred between the Neolithic Era and the Paleolithic Era? How did those changes affect human life?

Point=Red Evidence=Blue Explain=Green Here is a good P.E.E. paragraph to answer that question: There were many changes that affected human life between the Neolithic Era and Paleolithic Era. According to the article, during the Neolithic Era humans “discovered agriculture” while in the Paleolithic Era humans “lived a nomadic lifestyle in small groups.” This discovery allowed humans to settle down and live in larger groups.

Science Writing Prompt: Describe the differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.

Point=Red Evidence=Blue Explain=Green Here is a good response to that question: Plant and animal cells have several differences. For example, in the article it states that “animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts but plant cells do.” This difference allows plants to create their own food while animals have to consume theirs.