Writing a PEE paragraph for linguistic analysis

Morning everyone,

We're really pushing on in our linguistic study now. So far we've conquered the word classes, mastered the frameworks and tamed some terminology, and the next hurdle is becoming proficient in close linguistic analysis.

Over these next 2 lessons we will be laying the groundwork for you to get to grips with how to analyse language to an A level standard, using the '8 things I wish I knew before starting my A levels' advice column as source material and your terminology tables.

The framework to follow when completing any analysis is the basic PEE structure: Point, Evidence, Explanation.

For language, using that framework, you can structure your paragraphs with this basic method:

1. The author's use of linguistic terminology (for example hyperbole) and the reason for its use
2. Quote the sentence where the technique appears
3. Analyse the effect of the technique, both on the audience and how it contributes to the text as a whole (i.e. how it suits the GRAMPS)

You should also include a topic sentence before you introduce your main point. This will give your paragraph and analysis focus. 

A good PEE paragraph should give you nothing more to say about the point you are discussing, leaving you free to move on to the next one. Here is an example of a PEE paragraph in action:

Topic sentence: As the article is primarily intended for an audience of 16 to 18 year olds, the author uses an informal and conversational register to appeal to this age group. 

Point: As part of the informal tone, the author of the article consistently uses contractions as opposed to the more formal non-contracted terms.

Evidence: This can be seen all throughout the article with examples such as "teachers don't usually chase you up on work you haven't done and lessons you've missed."

Explanation: The use of contractions gives the article a conversational tone, and addresses the reader in a friendly manner. As the purpose of the article is to give advice, this kind of informal tone is gentle and non-threatening. (This explanation also links you back to the topic sentence.)


Today's Task

Today you are going to plan and write 4 PEE paragraphs in response to the A Level article using the advice above. You all identified terminology and linguistic techniques which had been used in the article, so you should have a few points you want to make. Your question is as follows:

How does the author of the article use linguistic techniques to suit the GAP? (Genre, Audience and Purpose)

Click here to access the article if you need a copy, and click here to access some advice on the DOs and DON'Ts when writing PEE paragraphs, and also a writing frame to help you write your first paragraph. Print out your 4 paragraphs with the question at the top and hand them into me at the end of the lesson.

As always, ask for help if you get stuck

Claudia