1. Proof, Evidence, Analysis
P.E.A. Paragraph
Proof, Evidence, Analysis
AKA SHORT ANSWER FORMAT

2. Unlike extended writing pieces, short answer means you have less time to get your point across; so you have to manage your words well. YOU HAVE TO BE CONCISE
Teachers vary in their opinions on how many sentences constitutes a paragraph. For me, I believe 5 to 6 sentences is sufficient.

3. Introduction sentence
No introductory paragraph, so you only have an introductory sentence.
If available, state the title of the work and the author.
Restate the question

4. Proof
Offer an answer to the question given

5. Evidence Provide specific quotes/example from the actual text.
Remember that a quote doesn’t necessarily mean what someone directly said in the work. It might be specific words quoted directly from the literary work.
Make sure the quote/example you choose actually has to do with the point you are making. No random quotes just to say you have one.

6. Analysis
Explain how the quote/proof from the text supports your answer. Explain what it means. Don’t assume the reader will see the connection you are making.

7. Conclusion
As with your introductory sentence(s), you will only have a sentence or two to conclude.
WARNING: DO NOT EVER END WITH A QUOTE! ALWAYS EXPLAIN THE RELEVANCE!

8. Let’s Try One If i had a nickel For all the women who’ve
Freshman
Read the following poem “.05” by Ishmael Reed and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph.
If i had a nickel
For all the women who’ve
Rejected me in my life
I would be the head of the
World Bank with a flunkie
To hold my derby as i
Prepared to fly chartered
Jet to sign a check
Giving India a new lease
On Life
If i had a nickel for
All the women who’ve loved
Me in my life i would be
The World Bank’s assisstant
Janitor and wouldn’t need
To wear a derby
All i’d think about would
Be going home.
Do you think this speaker would rather be rich or loved? Explain your answer

9. Let’s Try One
Sophomore
Read the following poem “Outgrown” by Penelope Shuttle and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph.
It is both sad and a relief to fold so carefully her outgrown clothes and line up the little worn shoes of childhood, so prudent, scuffed and particular. It is both happy and horrible to send them galloping back tappity – tap along the misty chill path into the past.
It is both a freedom and a prison, to be outgrown by her as she towers over me as thin as a sequin in her doc martens and her pretty skirt, because just as I work out how to be a mother she stops being a child.
How does the speaker feel about her daughter becoming a teenager?

10. Let’s Try One
Junior
Look at the following political cartoon by Gary Varvel and answer the question that follows in a P.E.A paragraph.
What issue is the cartoonist commenting on, and what is his opinion on this issue?

11. CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK
INTRODUCTION
___ Did you state the title?
___ Did you state the author?
___ Did you restate the prompt?

12. CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK
PROOF
___ Did you answer the question in your own words clearly?

13. CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK
EVIDENCE
___ Do you provide a specific quote or example to support your answer?

14. CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK
ANALYSIS
___ Do you explain how the quote or example you provided supports the point you are making?

15. CHECK LIST FOR YOUR WORK
CONCLUSION
___ Do you provide a concluding sentence?
___ Double check, do you have 5 - 6, good
sentences?