Write Paragraphs Using PEEL/C
How This Chapter Can Help You
This chapter will help you:
-
Build clear paragraphs using the PEEL/C method.
-
Stay focused on one idea at a time.
-
Make your essay flow smoothly.
Video Version
Watch the PowerPoint video with voiceover for this chapter.
What Is PEEL/C?
PEEL/C is a step by step method for building clear and focused paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea.
By following this method, you can:
-
Keep your writing structured and focused
-
Avoid repeating yourself
-
Explain your ideas clearly
-
Support your ideas with evidence
-
Help your reader follow your points easily
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this structure gives you something simple and reliable to use.
One Idea, One Paragraph
Each body paragraph should cover just one main idea.
PEEL/C helps you stay focused and makes your writing easier to read.
What Essay Question Will We Use?
In this chapter, we will use a worked example to answer the following essay question: “What are the main causes of homelessness in Ireland in the last ten years?”
This means that when you build your paragraphs, you should focus on information from the last ten years. Including a lot of older data or examples could take you away from what the question is asking. However, important policy documents or key studies may also be used where they are still relevant.
This example will help show each part of the PEEL/C paragraph structure.
P is for Point
Start your paragraph with your main point. This should link clearly to the essay question.
Example:
One key cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing.
E is for Evidence
Support your point with a reliable source (fact, statistic, or quote).
Example:
According to Focus Ireland (2022), most people in emergency accommodation have experienced long-term housing shortages.
Tip: Use recent evidence where possible.
E is for Explain
Explain your evidence so the reader sees how it supports your point.
Example:
This means that when housing is too expensive or limited, people are more likely to lose their homes.
L is for Link
Finish your paragraph with a link. This can:
-
Link back to the essay question,
-
Lead into the next paragraph, or
-
Do both.
Examples:
-
Link back: This shows that housing costs are a major reason for homelessness in Ireland.
-
Link forward: The next paragraph will explore how low income can add to this problem.
-
Link back and forward: While housing costs are a key factor, the next section will show how low income often goes hand in hand with this issue.
C is for Critical Comment (Optional)
Add a short critical comment to show deeper thinking. This could:
-
Show balance by mentioning another factor
-
Point out limits in the evidence
-
Add extra insight
Example (balance):
However, this issue is often linked to other factors such as unemployment or personal crisis.
Example (limitations):
However, some research on this topic is more than ten years old, so it may not reflect recent housing policy changes. In addition, the study only looked at Dublin, so the results may not reflect rural areas.
Example: Full Paragraph
Here is a full body paragraph written using PEEL/C.
(Remember: this is only one paragraph, a full essay would include several.)
One key cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. According to Focus Ireland (2022), most people in emergency accommodation have experienced long-term housing shortages. This means that when housing is too expensive or limited, people are more likely to lose their homes. This helps explain why housing costs are a major reason for homelessness in Ireland. However, some available research on this topic is more than ten years old, so it may not reflect recent housing policy changes. In addition, the study was based only on data from Dublin, so the findings may not represent the situation in rural areas. While housing costs are a key factor in homelessness, the next section will show how low income levels often go hand in hand with this issue.
What About Other Paragraphs?
In a full essay, you would not only write about housing costs. Other body paragraphs could cover:
-
Income differences and low wages
-
Lack of access to mental health services
-
The impact of family breakdown
-
Shortages in social housing
Each new paragraph should follow the same PEEL/C structure.
Sentence Starters for PEEL/C Paragraphs
Use the sentence starters below to help plan and write your own PEEL/C paragraphs.
These examples give you ideas for how to begin your sentences in each part of the PEEL/C structure. You do not have to use them word-for-word, choose what sounds natural for your writing.
Interactive PEEL/C Sentence Starters H5P guide created by Róisín Kelly. CC BY NC 4.0.
Now try this:
Match each sentence to the correct part of the PEEL/C paragraph structure. This will help you check your understanding before writing your own paragraph.
Interactive PEEL/C paragraph structure H5P activity created by Róisín Kelly. CC BY NC 4.0.
Downloads
-
Quick Guide – PEEL/C Paragraph Structure
-
Worksheet – Build Your Own PEEL/C Paragraph
Coming Up Next
In the next chapter, you will:
- Learn how to write a clear, focused conclusion.
- Tie your main ideas together in a strong final section.
- Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your main message.
