How can I use the PEAL chain to avoid waffling?

It can often be difficult when answering an essay question to clearly phrase your answer without losing sight of your main point and waffling. An incredibly helpful way of improving your writing style is to follow the PEAL chain rule within each paragraph. PEAL stands for: 

P - Point. Begin the paragraph with the overall point you want to make.

E - Evidence. Find evidence of your point such as a quote from within the text.

A - Analyse. Analyse your example from the text and how this reinforces your initial point.

L - Link. Remember to check that your paragraph is answering the question and ends in a way that you can link it to the opening of your following paragraph.

In following these steps, you should be able to decrease repetition and overwording your paragraphs, allowing you to write clearly and concisely.

HC
Answered by Hope C. English tutor

4543 Views

See similar English A Level tutors

Related English A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explore the theme of desire in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'


How do I structure a comparative essay?


How important is the narrative role of Nick in F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby?


"In Richard III, Shakespeare demonstrates that women lack agency." By exploring the role and dramatic presentation of women in Richard III, evaluate this view.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning