Proof, Evidence, Analysis P.E.A. Paragraph Proof, Evidence, Analysis AKA SHORT ANSWER FORMAT

Unlike extended writing pieces, short answer means you have less time to get your point across; so you have to manage your words well. YOU HAVE TO BE CONCISE Teachers vary in their opinions on how many sentences constitutes a paragraph. For me, I believe 5 to 6 sentences is sufficient.

Introduction sentence No introductory paragraph, so you only have an introductory sentence. If available, state the title of the work and the author. Restate the question

Proof Offer an answer to the question given

Evidence Provide specific quotes/example from the actual text. Remember that a quote doesn’t necessarily mean what someone directly said in the work. It might be specific words quoted directly from the literary work. Make sure the quote/example you choose actually has to do with the point you are making. No random quotes just to say you have one.

Analysis Explain how the quote/proof from the text supports your answer. Explain what it means. Don’t assume the reader will see the connection you are making.

Conclusion As with your introductory sentence(s), you will only have a sentence or two to conclude. WARNING: DO NOT EVER END WITH A QUOTE! ALWAYS EXPLAIN THE RELEVANCE!

Let’s Try One If i had a nickel For all the women who’ve Freshman Read the following poem “.05” by Ishmael Reed and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph. If i had a nickel For all the women who’ve Rejected me in my life I would be the head of the World Bank with a flunkie To hold my derby as i Prepared to fly chartered Jet to sign a check Giving India a new lease On Life If i had a nickel for All the women who’ve loved Me in my life i would be The World Bank’s assisstant Janitor and wouldn’t need To wear a derby All i’d think about would Be going home. Do you think this speaker would rather be rich or loved? Explain your answer

Let’s Try One Sophomore Read the following poem “Outgrown” by Penelope Shuttle and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph. It is both sad and a relief to fold so carefully her outgrown clothes and line up the little worn shoes of childhood, so prudent, scuffed and particular. It is both happy and horrible to send them galloping back tappity – tap along the misty chill path into the past. It is both a freedom and a prison, to be outgrown by her as she towers over me as thin as a sequin in her doc martens and her pretty skirt, because just as I work out how to be a mother she stops being a child. How does the speaker feel about her daughter becoming a teenager?

Let’s Try One Junior Look at the following political cartoon by Gary Varvel and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph. What issue is the cartoonist commenting on, and what is his opinion on this issue?

CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK INTRODUCTION ___ Did you state the title? ___ Did you state the author? ___ Did you restate the prompt?

CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK PROOF ___ Did you answer the question in your own words clearly?

CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK EVIDENCE ___ Do you provide a specific quote or example to support your answer?

CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK ANALYSIS ___ Do you explain how the quote or example you provided supports the point you are making?

CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK CONCLUSION ___ Do you provide a concluding sentence? ___ Double check, do you have 5 - 6, good sentences?