UCSD ENG 020 PIE Body Paragraph Structure Journal Discussion

Directions:

In formal, academic writing, we want to write clearly so that our readers can easily understand us. One way to ensure that our writing is clear and well organized is to follow PIE paragraph structure. PIE structure allows us to clearly state our paragraph’s point, prove our point with strong information, and explain to the reader what we want to tell them with our information. We use PIE only for body paragraphs (not introductions or conclusions).

A paragraph only has ONE point, meaning it should only be about one thing. However, it can have more than one piece of Information/Explanation that proves the one Point.

To start our class and prepare for the first small piece of writing, which is writing an academic paragraph, we will learn about PIE paragraph structure.

STEP 1:

In this class, we will write our body paragraphs using the PIE formula.

The PIE formula includes three parts:

1. Point! That is another way to say topic sentence or sub-claim. This tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about. It should be something arguable.
2. Information! The information part of PIE is where you give readers examples that support the point you made. This is the proof! For our class, it will mostly be quotes from the articles or personal examples.
3. Explanation! The explanation is where you tell the readers why you gave the information you gave. It answers the “So What?” It is the analysis of the paper where your voice really stands out. It should be as long as the information part.

Also, note that most paragraphs will have at least two pieces of information (I) and two pieces of explanation (E). A common PIE structures paragraph for this class will look like this: P I I E I E (with the I and the E repeating to give readers more than one example and more analysis/explanation.)

Step 2: Answering the following questions in a journal.

Talk to me about the following:

1. What is your previous experience writing PIE or body paragraphs? (No worries if it is nothing, and this is new.)
2. In your own words, what is the Point of a body paragraph?
3. In your own words, what is the Information of a body paragraph? What can you use as Information? What is the purpose of the Information piece?
4. In your own words, what is the Explanation in a body paragraph? How long should the Explanation be compared to the Information? What is the purpose of the Explanation?
5. What are at least two takeaways or AHA moments you had reviewing the material? What do you want to make sure to remember when you draft body paragraphs in this class?
6. What questions do you still have about PIE body paragraphs? If you don’t have any, do you feel like you can write a PIE body paragraph?

This is meant to be an informal response. You do not have to format in MLA. Just respond to the best of your abilities. Remember, do not format your journal assignments in APA. This assignment should not include a cover page or running header.

Requirements:

There is no minimum word count for these questions, but I ask that you do your best to provide as detailed an answer as you can. Please reply to each question individually.

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POWERPOINT

PP on Pie.pptx

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GRAPHIC

PIE Paragraphs Graphic.docx

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Step 2: Answering the following questions in a journal.

Talk to me about the following:

1. What is your previous experience writing PIE or body paragraphs? (No worries if it is nothing, and this is new.)
2. In your own words, what is the Point of a body paragraph?
3. In your own words, what is the Information of a body paragraph? What can you use as Information? What is the purpose of the Information piece?
4. In your own words, what is the Explanation in a body paragraph? How long should the Explanation be compared to the Information? What is the purpose of the Explanation?
5. What are at least two takeaways or AHA moments you had reviewing the material? What do you want to make sure to remember when you draft body paragraphs in this class?
6. What questions do you still have about PIE body paragraphs? If you don’t have any, do you feel like you can write a PIE body paragraph?

This is meant to be an informal response. You do not have to format in MLA. Just respond to the best of your abilities. Remember, do not format your journal assignments in APA. This assignment should not include a cover page or running header.

Requirements:

There is no minimum word count for these questions, but I ask that you do your best to provide as detailed an answer as you can. Please reply to each question individually.

If you need help submitting the assignment, please check out How to Submit an Online Canvas Assignment.

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