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P. I. E.
Presented by the Texas State Writing Center
WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
1 idea = 1 paragraph
It is a collection of related sentences dealing with one topic.
When constructing body paragraphs, apply the P.I.E. formula.
Point Illustration E xplanation
P = POINT ď Ž
This is the TOPIC SENTENCE of your paragraph. Remember, each of your topic sentences should be related to your thesis statement.
P = POINT
Ideas for making a Point:
Decide what you need to say to support your thesis.
Try categorizing your ideas and commenting on recurring themes you find.
P(oint) IN ACTION
For a paper with the following thesis…
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be banned from public school curriculums for several reasons: the sentences in the book contain terrible grammar, Huck is a bad role model for teenagers, and Mark Twain depicts slaves as ignorant creatures.”
P(oint) IN ACTION
…the P(oint) component of your first paragraph might read as follows:
“Despite its canonical status, the book is filled with poorly structured sentences and misspelled words.”
Functions as a topic sentence. Connects back to the “terrible grammar” portion of the thesis.
I = ILLUSTRATION
This is generally your in-text citation and includes evidence that supports your point. This can be a quote, paraphrase, summary, or combination. Your illustrations should support and help develop your point. In essence, they help you “prove” the claim you’ve made.
I = ILLUSTRATION
I(llustrations) use specific data, quotes, experiences, or other factual material such as:
Personal experiences (stories, anecdotes, or examples from your life).
Representation in the media (newspapers, magazines, television).
I = ILLUSTRATION
Elements from popular culture (songs, movies, celebrity quotes).
Statistics (polls, percentages, data from research studies).
Conclusions reached in journal articles.
I(llustration) IN ACTION
Continuing with the Huck Finn example, the I(llustration) component of your first paragraph might begin as follows:
“Huck Finn, the narrator and main character of the story, frequently misuses basic English. Throughout the book, his dialogue is littered with grammatically incorrect expressions such as, ‘I waked up early’ and ‘looky here.’”
I(llustration) IN ACTION
You can string together multiple pieces of evidence to strengthen your argument. Continuing our example, we might add:
“Jim, the slave Huck helps to escape, has equally poor language skills. When told he must have rats in his shed, he responds with, ‘Why, Mars Tom, I don’t want no rats. No, sah, gimme garter snakes if I’s got to have somethin’, but don’t gimme no rats.’”
E = EXPLANATION ď Ž
The E(xplanation) is your analysis, comparison, elaboration, and/or evaluation of the Point and Illustration given. It should connect the Illustration with the Point and Thesis of your paper.
E = EXPLANATION
Strategies for forming an E(xplanation):
Ask yourself, “What does the provided information mean?
Interpret, analyze, explain the information, opinion, or quote you’ve included.
E = EXPLANATION
Comment on the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the quote, fact, data, information in the Illustration.
Decipher the meaning or try to better your understanding of your observation, findings, or experience.
Explain to the reader how this information relates to your thesis.
E(xplanation) IN ACTION
Continuing our Huck Finn example:
“John Smith, a well-respected linguist, warns teachers that students often develop poor writing and speaking habits when they read stories that contain atrocious grammar. Consequently, it stands to reason that exposure to Twain’s novel could have a profound negative impact on the language development of youngsters.”
FURTHER EXAMPLES
“Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing population is very encouraging. According to ornithologist Jay Sheppard, ‘The bald eagle seems to have stabilized its population, at the very least, almost everywhere.’ We can assume then that there is hope for the longevity of this majestic bird.”
FURTHER EXAMPLES
“[Point:] Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing population is very encouraging. [Signal Phrase:] According to ornithologist Jay Sheppard, [Illustration:] ‘The bald eagle seems to have stabilized its population, at the very least, almost everywhere.’ [In-text Citation] [Explanation:] We can assume then that there is hope for the longevity of this majestic bird.”
FURTHER EXAMPLES
“Kate Chopin builds irony into every turn of ‘The Story of an Hour.’ For example, Mrs. Mallard, the central character, finds joy in the death of her husband, whom she loves, because she anticipates ‘the long procession of years that would belong to her absolutely.’ One would not expect a woman who loves her husband to look forward to life without him.”
FURTHER EXAMPLES
[Point:] “Kate Chopin builds irony into every turn of ‘The Story of an Hour.’ [Illustration:] For example, Mrs. Mallard, the central character, finds joy in the death of her husband, whom she loves, because she anticipates ‘the long procession of years that would belong to her absolutely.’ [Citation] [Explanation:] One would not expect a woman who loves her husband to look forward to life without him.”