Day 6: PIE Structure

Objectives: Students will be able 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.

Part I: Introduction to Topic (10min)

In NEW groups, hold a discussion on the following:

When crafting an argument, what might a writer invoke to help improve their work and make it stronger and more credible? Come up with a list of how to make a paper strong. Share with class.

Did you mention evidence? What types of evidence can be given in a paper?

•          Facts

•          Personal Experience

•          Statistics

•          Anedotes

•          Expert sources

In that same group, rank these according to importance.

Part II: PowerPoint lecture (20min)

Time for PowerPoint! You can follow along on the big screen or on your computer by clicking on the PIE link to your right.

Part III: Partner work & discussion of PIE worksheet (30min)

Now, we are going to look at an academic essay and analyze it in terms of the PIE structure. Please click on the following worksheet to begin. We will go over the first part together and then you will work individually to complete the last page. We will go over answers as a class. Finally, we will open our diagnostic essay and highlight our own writing in accordance with the PIE Structure worksheet.

* If time permits, we will also take a look at another worksheet that reiterates the same point. The answer key is HERE.

Part IV: Working on Engineering Activity 2: PIE (20 min)

Now, I would like to give time to work on the second Engineering Activity—PIE. This will give us the opportunity to practice the content we went over in today’s class as well as serve to assist in completing the first major writing assignment: The Diagnostics Analysis Essay. Please open Engineering Activity 2: PIE and follow the directions listed. I will circulate to provide assistance/answer questions.

Homework:

Students should complete the PIE Structure engineering activity before the last class.