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

4588 Views

See similar English A Level tutors

Related English A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare how authors present the idea that men typically dominate relationships. (The Great Gatsby: F. Scott Fitzgerald - A song (Absent from Thee): John Wilmot - La Bella Dame sans Merci (John Keats)


How do I approach an essay?


How do I write a good introduction for my essay?


Compare these two poems, considering the ways in which Eliot and Pound use form, structure, and language to present their thoughts.


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