What does PETAL mean?

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.

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 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 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

P = Point

E = Evidence

T = Technique

A = Analysis

L = Link

Point

Evidence

Technique

Analysis

Link

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 and Link.

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 stands for point, evidence, technique, analysis, and link. This is a paragraph structure which is usually used for analytical writing. This technique is also used in response to the question.

Point - State what your paragraph will be about

Evidence - Use a quote to support your point

Technique - State the technique in the quote

Analysis - Explore the meaning of the quote

Link - Explain how it may make the reader feel or use contextual information to further explore the quote

I find that you can quite easily group Point, Evidence and Technique together in the opening sentence of your paragraph

PETAL is a commonly used structure for answering questions.

Point: make your point clear and relevant to the question and your argument.

Evidence: How can you support your point with the relevant evidence found in the text?

Technique: What technique is used in the evidence you have identified (e.g: metaphor, simile, repetition)?

Analysis: Analyse the evidence and techniques to the point you are making, what is being said? Why has the writer used this technique? What does it show?

Link: Make sure to link your analysis to the question and your argument!

Point

Example

Technique

Analysis

Link