What does PETAL mean?

P = Point (The point you are trying to make in order to respond to the question)

E = Evidence (a direct quotation from the text that you are using to reinforce your point)

T = Technique (a literary device that has been used by the writer for effect, e.g. a simile)

A = Analysis (explaining what effect the technique/language used has, offering suggestions of writer's intent)

L = Link (linking back to the question to ensure you are answering it)

PETAL is a helpful hint and reminder of how to structure your paragraphs!

Remember...before you start planning and writing, you need to underline the key words in the question.

Here is an example: How has the writer used language and structure to depict the relationship between Caleb and Ellie?

Point- here you answer the question e.g The relationship between Caleb and Ellie is positive and supportive. Try to use an adjective!

Evidence- which quotes can you use to show your point, where do we see that the relationship is positive and supportive? Don't forget quotation marks!

Technique- which language and structure techniques can you spot in your quotes?

Explanation- How and why do your quotes/techniques show your point? What is our impression as a reader?

Link- depending on the question, this could be link to the question, link to context- what was going on at the time- link to audience or link to author's intention/purpose

PETAL stands for how you structure you answer in English Literature exams.

Structure the answer in the following order;

1 Point; this means your understanding of the text, as related to the question.

2 Evidence; what does the text say to back up your point?

3 Technique; what method of language construction has the author decided to use?

4 Analysis; now go on to consider the dissection of a quote, or an idea or a method.

5 Link; the link concludes your argument and should relate back to the original question.

Point

Evidence

Technique

Analysis

Link

P = Point

E = Evidence

T = Technique

A = Analysis

L = Link

• P: The “P” represents Point
• E: The “E” stands for Evidence
• T: The “T” depicts Technique
• A: The “A” denotes Analysis
• L: The “L” implies Link 

PETAL is a way of structuring English Lit paragraphs at KS3 and GCSE.

P - point

E - evidence

T - techniques

A - analysis

L - link

The absolute key to understanding how to use a PETAL para to get better at English itself, to think well and therefore to get great grades, is actually that to come up with a P Point, you need to START with the E for Evidence and explore it by seeing what the writer is making you think and feel. That's why we look at T for Techniques and A Analyse the impressions created.

So in reality, what you do in your head is read the exam or homework question, then find some evidence which seems to be relevant, explore it by seeing what the writer has done (T+A) and THEN you'll be able to generat a P point.

After that work in your head and maybe making some notes, you can write out your opinions nice and clearly and in an organised, detailed way, using the PETAL structure.

The L link on the end people often struggle with a bit. Best bet? Link it back to the question and think of it as a kind of mini-conclusion.

PETAL is an acronym of these words;

Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis and Link. Please have it in your mind that petal( with lowercase letters) means " the Corolla of a flower"

They are typically coloured .

PETAL stands for Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link.

This is how you should structure you paragraphs when answering an essay question in order to make your argument clear and concise.

P - Point

E - Evidence

T - Technique

A - Analysis

L - Link to context

I prefer to use PEARL over PETAL, as it encourages the writer to consider the readers reaction too. However both writing frames have their merits.

Point

Evidence

Analysis

Reader's Reaction

Link to context

PETAL stands for Point, Evidence, Technique, Analyse, Link, and is a useful acronym for remembering a structure for your analytical paragraphs.

Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link

PETAL stands for point, evidence, technique, analysis, link. This is a paragraph structure that teachers encourage you to use when writing analytically.

For example, in response to the question: Explain how the writer uses language to describe the character of Aunt Lydia and the world that she lives in. 

Point - Atwood captures Aunt Lydia’s developing conscience by having Aunt Lydia admit that she has made mistakes,

Evidence - “bloody fingerprints are those made by ourselves.”

Technique - This metaphor shows that Aunt Lydia is able to acknowledge that she has created harm to others.

Analysis - Blood commonly goes hand in hand with the connotation of violence. This therefore could suggest to the reader that Aunt Lydia has a violent side and is trying to come to terms with her actions. This is further strengthened by the confession of “bur[ying] a lot of bones.”

Link - From this the reader is likely to be wary of Aunt Lydia as she is admitting to potentially horrific acts. 

P-Point: State your overall point that clearly answers the question

E-Evidence-Provide textual evidence to support your point

T- Technique-State the literary technique that is being used by the write to convey this point

A-Analysis- Describe the effects that this evokes on the reader

L-Link-Link this back to your overall point

Point, Evidence, Technique, Analysis, Link