Notes

STEP-BY-STEP PEEL EXAMPLE
POINT
Topic sentence.
The first sentence of each
paragraph should clearly
state the point of the
paragraph.
When crafting your
opening sentence, be
sure to be exact and clear
about what you will be
discussing.
From the very beginning of the novel, the portrait that
Basil paints of Dorian is extremely realistic or life-like.
This is what prompts Dorian to utter his fateful wish
that he should remain young forever, whilst the
portrait ages.
EVIDENCE
The evidence presented
should be consistent with
the novel.
When the portrait is finished, the writer tells us that it
is ‘certainly a wonderful work of art’ and a ‘wonderful
likeness’. Dorian, in response, says that he would give
his soul for this wish.
EXPLAIN
This portion of your
paragraph involves
interpreting, evaluating as
well as providing
additional details to
accompany your main
idea.
Similarly, this section may
also include a verdict or
claim being made in
which you clearly state a
supposition based on the
evidence provided.
Unwittingly, Dorian creates the circumstances of his
own tragic and inevitable end. The initial blurring of
the lines between art and reality is what allows him to
get away with his immoral and debauched lifestyle for
close on 20 years. The artwork carries the evidence of
his sins. The ironic reality is that he looks as innocent
and pure as he is at the moment meet him. The truth
is that his soul blackens day by day. Despite knowing
the truth about how the portrait is constantly changing,
Dorian actively pursues the lifestyle encouraged by
Lord Henry’s philosophies and the vile yellow book.
LINK
You must link back to the
bulk of the paragraph and
the topic, but you are also
allowing for a transition to
the next topic or
paragraph.
In some cases, people
see the link as the first
sentence of the next
Not only does he destroy his own life, but he destroys
the lives of almost everybody with whom he comes
into contact.