Tips to create a text (article, essay, etc.

) usig the PIE structure and transitions

1) Read the prompt given.

2) Write your thesis statement providing 3 introductory reasons.
3) Develop each reason using the PIE structure and transitions.
4) Correct capitalization and punctuation.

PIE STRUCTURE

Point (P) Illustration (I) Explanation (E)

What is the point of your Facts, details, reasons, What does the provided
paragraph? examples, percentages, information mean?
data from studies, etc. How does it relate to your overall
argument?
Paraphrases Why is the information
important/significant/meaningful?

Introduce the topic and Provide evidence or This is your analysis,

the direction of your support to develop your connecting the topic sentence
paragraph. point. to the thesis.

TRANSITIONS

1) To show order: First/Second/Third/After/Before/At this time

2) To give examples: To exemplify/For instance/To illustrate this point/For
example/Such as/Evidence of this
3) To add information: Furthermore/Additionally/In addition/Also/As well
4) To contrast: But/However/Sometimes/On the other hand/In contrast/Nevertheless
5) To emphasize: Absolutely/Always/Definitely/Never/In fact/Especially
6) To conclude: As a result/Finally/In summary/Lastly/Therefore/Overall

El objetivo es a partir del tema desarrollar 3 ideas (o razones), las cuales junto con
la thesis statement se presentan en el primer párrafo. Luego en los 3 párrafos
siguientes, se presenta cada razón por separado usando la estructura PIE. Cada
razón usando la estructura PIE debe contener la presentación de la razón (POINT),
luego ejemplos o detalles de esa razón (ILLUSTRATION) y se finaliza con una
conclusión o análisis de esa razón (EXPLANATION). Recuerden que cada párrafo (3
razones) debe incluir la estructura PIE. Las TRANSITIONS sirven para ir uniendo las
ideas.
EXAMPLE OF PORTFOLIO 1:

UNIVERSITY LIFE

PROMPT: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST DIFFICULT EXPERIENCE AT

UNIVERSITY?

THESIS STATEMENT

A PARTIR DE LA PREGUNTA DEBEN CREAR SU TESIS E INTRODUCIR 3 RAZONES

PARA DESPUÉS DESARROLLARLAS.

REASON 1: UTILIZAR LA PIE STRUCTURE + TRANSITIONS + PARAPHRASING

REASON 2: UTILIZAR LA PIE STRUCTURE + TRANSITIONS + PARAPHRASING

REASON 3: UTILIZAR LA PIE STRUCTURE + TRANSITIONS + PARAPHRASING

The most difficult experience I had to experience at the Univesity was when I started the
first week of classes because I didn’t have any friends (REASON 1), I wasn’t sure if I really
liked it (REASON 2) and I knew the “mechoneo” was going to be disgusting (REASON 3).

First, it is difficult to start the University because you don’t know anyone. For example, you
can sit with someone and start talking about things you like and see if you have something
in common. However, the first people you meet are not going to be your friends eventually.
(REASON 1)

Second, when I started going to the University, I had some doubts about my career choice.
To illustrate this point, I did some research about future employment in Chile and abroad.
Finally, I felt sure that I was in the right place. (REASON 2)

Lastly, I was extremely scared because the “mechoneo” was going to happen no matter
what. However, in that particular day, I was sick and didn’t go to the University. Therefore,
my classmates had to suffer all the embarrassing things they make you do while I was
resting at home. (REASON 3)