The PECTA framework is one way to structure a paragraph in essay writing.
• Point – State the point of this paragraph.
• Evidence – Discuss the research that supports your point.
• Critical Thinking- Critiques of both your point and alternative viewpoints.
• Argument – The conclusion of the paragraph, showing how this relates to the overall argument of your essay.
Discuss PECTA and, using an example, get the group to develop ideas for all four points.
Set a short writing exercise relevant to the knowledge learning for the session. (You could set something relevant to the module assessment).
Ask students to write a paragraph using PECTA.
In small groups, students read their paragraphs to each other and check the four points have all been covered.
Hold a plenary to discuss how PECTA helped their writing.
How much time you spend on this will depend on how much practice students need to develop their writing skills.
Students have been reading newspaper articles about Marshmello’s gig in Fortnite. They write a paragraph to argue what they think this means for the future of the music industry.
This is a solo activity however you could get students to review each others work in small groups. Different groups could write on different subjects and then present their arguments to the whole group.
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Students’ confidence in their writing skills is improved.
For students who are struggling with writing, you could ask for extra support for them or follow up with tutorials.
See the BIMM Study Skills Guide for more on PECTA (in the Academic Writing Chapter).
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Image to use on slides etc.: www.musostudy.com/resources/3SS/pecta.png
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