The document explains how to write a PIE (Point, Illustration, Explanation) paragraph by first deciding the main point or thesis to support. Second, provide examples and information to illustrate the point, forming the body of the paragraph. Finally, restate the point in a concluding sentence that explains and summarizes the illustration. The PIE structure is compared to a pie with the point as the crust, illustration as the filling, and explanation as the lattice top.

1. PIE Paragraphs
Cindy Crain
ENG 102
Laura Cline
04 May 2012

2. How to create a P.I.E. Paragraph
Point
Illustration
Explanation

3. Point
First you need to decide the point, which will be
the first sentence of your paragraph. This is the
pie crust, what the rest of the pie will be built
on, and should support your thesis.

4. Illustration
Next you create the body of your paragraph,
which will be made up of examples and
information that illustrate your point. This is the
biggest part of the pie in regards to volume…the
filling of the pie.

5. Explanation
Finally you create the explanation, which is a
summary of the illustration. It should restate
the point. The explanation is the final part of
the pie; the lattice top with the crimped edges.

6. Do: Create clear supporting sentences
that reinforce your point
=

7. Don’t: Veer off into other areas within
the same paragraph.
such as =
or worse =

8. Photos courtesy of microsoft clip art