This document provides a structure for planning philosophy essays using the P.E.E.L. method. P.E.E.L. stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. The essay should introduce the thesis and then present 3 main points that support the thesis with evidence from philosophers, the writer's explanation and analysis, and how the point links to answering the question. Counterarguments should also be addressed. The conclusion restates how the argument structure answers the title question. Signposts and connective words are recommended to improve coherence and clarity. Evaluation skills can be refined by assessing arguments for validity, truth, clarity, consistency, and coherence.

1. Essay planning document
P.E.E.L
Point- directly linked to your thesis.
Evidence-as advanced by philosophers
Explanation- your own analysis and evaluation.
Link- how does the point help to answer the question?
Introduction- address the question explicitly, identify any terms that need
defining and clearly outline your thesis statement.
1st point, evidence, explanation and link. Counter argument if appropriate.
(This point can be more than one paragraph. It should support your thesis).
2nd point, 1st point, evidence, explanation and link. Counter argument if
appropriate. (This point can be more than one paragraph. It should support
your thesis).

2. Essay planning document
3rd point, evidence, explanation and link. Counter argument if appropriate.
(This point can be more than one paragraph. It should COUNTER your
thesis).
Conclusion derived from structure of argument, including answer to the title
question.
Remember to use signposts
These passages suggest…
I will now defend the claim…
Further support for this claim comes from…
The strongest objection to this point is…
However; the objection does not succeed because…
There are three reasons to believe point X. Firstly….
Use connective words such as: because, since, given this argument, thus,
therefore, hence, it follows that, consequently, nevertheless, however or on
the other hand.

3. Essay planning document
To further improve you can refine your skill of evaluation (this means to make
a judgment). You can do this by:
1. Assessing the whether an argument is philosophically sound. Is it
valid? (Does it follow the rules of logic?) And is it true? (Correct). A
more sophisticated version of evaluation is to examine whether an
argument satisfies certain criteria. Does is have clarity? Is it
consistent? And is it coherent?
2. Clarity- how clear is the argument?
3. Consistency- does it have any contradictions?
4. Coherence- how does it all go together.