PIE STRUCTURE: In this module, you will learn to...
- Describe the 3 parts of PIE structure based on the lecture/discussion.
- In an EAP essay, be able to identify and label the sentences serving each function of PIE.
- Reverse Engineer the diagnostic essay into an outline, labeling each part as point, subpoint, illustration, explanation, transition, topic sentence...or whatever the function of that sentence is.
- Based on the outline form of the diagnostic, draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the current organizational pattern by making notes about which parts are there and which are not there.
- Devise a plan for revision based on the analysis of the identified gap between the criteria for developed PIE given in class and the actual PIE in the initial diagnostic draft.
When using information from other sources in your writing, using PIE structure helps to ensure you adequately present and explain the information you're including. P stands for point, I for illustration, and E for explanation. Click here for today's discussion of PIE structure. Make sure that you view it in a slideshow so that you can hear Nyssa's narration!
Practicing PIE:
- Break apart your essay into an outline, labeling each part as point, subpoint, illustration, explanation, transition... or whatever the function of that sentence is. It is possible that sentences have more than one function. Use an outline structure (bullet points, numbers, letters). Don't revise it yet, just see what you HAVE already.
- Write a diagnosis for the organizational structure and level of support provided in your essay so far (about 4-5 sentences). Identify one or two things you think are done well/included appropriately, based on what you learned in the PIE structure presentation. Also, identify one or two things you think you could work on. Again, this is not a “judgment” of the paper. It is meant to get you to analyze what you already have in your paper, both the positive and the things that need work. This diagnosis is a summary of what you have so far. Then you will think about what would need to be done if the paper were to be revised.
