1.4 PIE structure (PIE=Point+Illustration+Explanation)

Outline of this class:

• What is a PIE structure, and what it is used for
• Identify and label the sentences serving each function of "P", "I", and "E"
• Analyze and revise your diagnostic essay (body) paragraphs based on PIE principle

A. Discussion:

Discuss the following questions:

• What are your biggest challenges in developing paragraphs? 
• If you are writing a body paragraph, how would you develop your paragraph? What would you write first, second, and last?

B. Topic sentence:

"A well-organized paragraph supports or develops a single controlling idea, which is expressed in a sentence called the topic sentence. A topic sentence has several important functions: 

• it substantiates or supports an essay’s thesis statement; 
• it unifies the content of a paragraph and directs the order of the sentences; 
• and it advises the reader of the subject to be discussed and how the paragraph will discuss it. 

Readers generally look to the first few sentences in a paragraph to determine the subject and perspective of the paragraph. That’s why it’s often best to put the topic sentence at the very beginning of the paragraph. In some cases, however, it’s more effective to place another sentence before the topic sentence—for example, a sentence linking the current paragraph to the previous one, or one providing background information."



C. PIE structure: 
ppt


1. Pasts of a paragraph:

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

2. PIE structure:

Point

Illustration

Explanation


D. Exercise:

Identify and label the sentences in this paragraph with: Topic sentence, P(oint), I(illustration), E(xplanation), and Closing sentence.

group 1

group 2

group 3

group 4

group 5

group 6


Based on our diagnostic essay...
P:
I:
E:


E. Howework:

Analyze and revise the (body) paragraphs of your diagnostic essay.
Please make sure that each of your (body) paragraph has a clear P.I.E structure!