Essay Structure

PETAL method

P: Point

E: Evidence

T: Technique

A: Analysis

L: Link

P: Point

• Clearly state your idea or argument in response to the question.
• Use key words or synonyms of words from the question to ensure your point is relevant.
• Avoid making vague or generic points – more specificity means more marks!

E: Example

• Choose a specific example from the text to use as evidence.
• Be concise and avoid long excerpts – shorter quotes are better as precise examples.
• Embed the example within your sentence, modifying quotes if necessary.
• Use multiple examples if you need to compare/contrast or build up to a bigger idea.

T: Technique

• Identify the language or structural features used in the quote.
• If there is no formal technique, use metalanguage to comment on the author’s choice of words or the overall sense/mood/ tone/implications etc.
• Comment on the specific effect of the technique – remember that naming the technique is only step 1! You must be specific about the effect to earn marks

A: Analysis

• Explain how the example creates meaning that supports the author’s intent or purpose of the text.
• Consider how the reader is made to think/feel/believe something as a result of the author’s choice of words.
• Spend at least one sentence doing a ‘deep dive’ into how specific language creates a specific effect.
• Never give a general definition or generic effect for a technique. You must always apply your knowledge to the specific example.
• Analysis can consist of: explaining the literal meaning of a quote, discussing why the author has employed a certain technique, demonstrating how certain language contributes to a theme, or considering possible alternate interpretations.

L: Link

• Tie your discussion back to the question or the core message of the text.
• If relevant, refer back to previous ideas to show development or contrast.
• Use linking words to signal that you are ‘zooming out’ to comment on authorial intent.

Tips

• Not every flower has to have 5 petals! Vary your structure, but make sure you show the marker that you can do all 5.
• Some petal parts will be more effective if combined (e.g. PEETETTAAL, using multiple pieces of evidence, identifying multiple techniques, and then making multiple analysis statements about how these elements work together). Vary your sentences as you get more confident.