Perfect Paragraph

T.P.I.E.P.I.E.

C.

T.P.I.E.P.I.E.C.

• Is the outline of a perfect paragraph

• Each letter represents a chunk or sentence of the paragraph

T = Topic SentencesTopic sentences state the main idea of the whole paragraph.

The rest of the paragraph must explain, describe, or prove what the topic sentence states.

A well written topic sentence clearly indicates what you’ll explain or describe in the paragraph.

PIE…

makes your paper perfectly sweet!

What is P.I.E.?It is an acronym--used to help you remember how to organize and support your ideas.

P.I.E. is easier to plan and identify while you create it

1. Make a Point.2. Illustrate the point with something

specific and concrete.3. Explain how the illustration proves the

point.

For example: What are your goals for the semester and why are they important?

• P (point) = one of my goals for the semester is to get a ‘B’ or an ‘A’ in my classes.

• I (illustrate) = Last semester I got a ‘C’ in English, but I wasn’t happy with that.

• E (explain) = Even though a ‘C’ is passing, my parents weren’t pleased, and now I can’t go out until my grades improve.

C = Concluding Sentence

• A concluding sentence…– refers back to the topic (remember your T?)–provides a logical closing (wraps it up)–DOES NOT start : In conclusion–DOES NOT repeat or list what you already

explained

– may transition to the next body paragraph (what’s next?)

How do students feel about school?• Step one: come up with a clear answer to the

question– They HATE it…i.e. “school sucks”

• Step two: create a clear topic sentence– Many students do not enjoy school.

• Step three: brainstorm reasons/evidence to support the main idea

Create your pieces of P.I.E.• P. = Students don’t like doing so much school work.• I. = Most classes have homework; consequently, kids have

hours of homework every night.• E. = That means four classes worth of work, and that is more

work then most students are used to doing, or want to do.

• P. = School is no fun, and teachers are mean.• I. = Kids are getting kicked out for talking in class, or they get

in trouble for joking around.• E.= Getting kicked out for talking to someone isn’t always fair

because sometimes students are only asking for a piece of paper, or a pencil.

Now you need a conclusion

• Remember:

– Don’t just repeat yourself

– Stick true to your main idea

– Don’t list your evidence over again

– Avoid writing “In conclusion….”

• If school was more fun, and less hard work, many students wouldn’t mind spending their days there.

Many students do not enjoy school. Students don’t like doing so much school work. Most classes have homework; that means six classes worth of work. Consequently, kids have hours of homework every night, and that is more work then most students are used to doing or want to do. School is no fun, and teachers are mean. Kids are getting kicked out for talking in class, or they get in trouble for joking around. Getting kicked out for talking to someone isn’t always fair because sometimes students are only asking for a piece of paper, or a pencil. If school was more fun, and less hard work, many students wouldn’t mind spending their days there.

Should the legal driving age be changed to 21?

• Step one: pick your side – agree or disagree?

• Step two: create a clear topic sentence

• Step three: brainstorm reasons/evidence to support your side of the issue

PIE Lesson Continued

• Recap:

–Make a POINT.

–ILLUSTRATE the point.–EXPLAIN how the illustration

(example) proves the point.

PIEExample: Should the legal driving age be changed to 21?

Point- The legal driving age should not be changed to 21 because a person’s age does not always mean he or she is mature enough to drive.

Illustration- There are a number of teenagers who work part-time jobs and show maturity and responsibility in all that they do.

Explanation- Teenagers like these tend to be careful drivers who prove their sense of responsibility while driving on the road.

Point- There are many adults who do not take their driving responsibilities seriously.

Illustration- Every day there are adults on the road who are speeding, running traffic lights, and driving recklessly.

Explanation- Just because a person is 21 years old or older, it does not mean that the person is mature enough to drive responsibly.

PIEExample: Should the legal driving age be changed to 21?

Turning PIE into a Paragraph

• Start with your topic sentence. (T…)

• Include at least two pieces of PIE (T-PIE-PIE…)

• End with a concluding sentence (T-PIE-PIE-C)

T-PIE-PIE-CThe legal driving age should not be changed to 21

because a person’s age does not mean someone is mature enough to drive. Many young people are mature despite their lack of years. There are a number of teenagers who work part-time jobs and do well in school at the same time, showing maturity and responsibility in all that they do. Teenagers like these tend to be careful drivers who prove their sense of responsibility while driving on the road. At the same time, there are many adults who do not take their driving responsibilities seriously. Every day there are adults on the road who are speeding, running traffic lights, and driving recklessly. Just because a person is 21 years old or older, it does not mean that the person is mature enough to drive responsibly. More age does not necessarily mean more maturity; consequently, the legal driving age should not be changed to 21.

So what does this mean in the scheme of things?

• When you include T-PIE-PIE-C in the body paragraphs

of your paper, you create a minimum of 8 sentences

per paragraph.

• AND, EVEN BETTER, you provide solid support for your

main ideas and explain yourself so the reader does not

have to work to understand what you intended to say.

On Your Own

In an effort to save money, your local school board is considering eliminating

elective subjects such as art, band, agriculture, and culinary arts. What is

your position on this issue?