This document introduces and explains the TEEL paragraph structure. TEEL stands for Topic sentence, Evidence, Explanation, and Linking sentence. It provides definitions for each component and explains how to use them to write a coherent paragraph. An example paragraph is also included to demonstrate how to identify each TEEL element.

1. Writing a
TEEL
Paragraph for
Beginners
Stand alone paragraphs only.

2. Why use TEEL?
– TEEL is a great formula for helping us to write a paragraph.
– It tells us what to do when!
– It can be changed and added to so we can still experiment.
– I helps us to remember to use evidence.
– It keeps us focused on the goal.
– It can be used in just about any subject… not just English.
– It can be used on its own and it can help us write a whole essay!

3. What does it stand for?
– T: topic sentence
Tell your reader what your paragraph is going to be about in a short and concise way.
– E: evidence
Prove your point! Provide an example or a quote that proves the point you mentioned
in the topic sentence.
– E: explanation
Explain how your evidence relates to main point of your paragraph.
– L: linking sentence
Wrap it all up! Restate what the point of the paragraph was in an interesting way.
Evidenceandexplanationcan
swaporders!Youcanalsohave
morethanonepieceofevidence–
justrememberthatyouneedto
explaineachpieceofevidence!

4. Example
While Shrek starts off as the bad guy, we discover
by the end of the movie, that he is actually the hero
of the story. In the beginning of the story Shrek is
shown as a mean, ugly Ogre, he scares the knights
that come to his forest. He even tries to scare
Donkey away when they first meet by growling at
him. However, as the story continues, Shrek
becomes involved with more characters, eventually
even falling in love with Princess Fiona and rescues
her for a second time by stopping the wedding and
loving her for who she is. Therefore, because Shrek
saved the princess and showed that he values
friendship he is the hero of the story. ‘Writing? Yeah.’
Created by Caleb Roenigk. (CC BY 2.0)

5. Identifying TEEL
While Shrek starts off as the bad guy, we discover by the end of the movie, that he is
actually the hero of the story. In the beginning of the story Shrek is shown as a mean, ugly
Ogre, he scares the knights that come to his forest. He even tries to scare Donkey away
when they first meet by growling at him. However, as the story continues, Shrek becomes
involved with more characters, eventually even falling in love with Princess Fiona and
rescues her for a second time by stopping the wedding and loving her for who she is.
Therefore, because Shrek saved the princess and showed that he values friendship he is
the hero of the story.