PETAL Paragraph Practice Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Understanding PETAL Structure

1. Match each PETAL component to its correct definition:

P - Point

E - Example

T - Technique

A - Analyse

L - Link

Quote or specific detail from the text

Language feature used by the author

Main argument supporting your thesis

How and why the technique creates effect

Connect back to question and wider themes

2. Circle the TWO language features that could work together for analysing setting in "The Pedestrian":

Metaphor and simile

Imagery and symbolism

Alliteration and rhyme

Irony and contrast

Planning Your PETAL Paragraph

Question: Analyse how Bradbury uses the setting (physical, social, cultural, political) to convey an important idea about the future.

3. What important idea about the future does Bradbury convey? (Your main point)

4. Choose a quote that shows the physical setting and identify the technique:

Quote: _________________________________________________

Technique: _________________________________________________

5. Choose a second quote that shows social/cultural setting and identify the technique:

Quote: _________________________________________________

Technique: _________________________________________________

6. How do these two techniques work together to create effect?

7. What does this make us reflect on about humanity or society?

Write Your PETAL Paragraph

8. Using your planning above, write a complete PETAL paragraph in response to the question:

Self-Check Checklist:

I included a clear point that answers the question

I used specific examples/quotes from the text

I identified two language techniques

I explained how and why the techniques create effect

I linked back to the question and wider themes

I showed how the techniques work together

Exemplar Answer

Bradbury uses the dystopian setting of 'The Pedestrian' to warn us about a future where technology has destroyed human connection and individuality. The physical setting is presented through death imagery, as Mead walks through streets described as "not unequal to walking through a graveyard" where houses have "dark windows" like tombs. This metaphor transforms the suburban neighbourhood into a place of death, suggesting that technology has killed the community spirit that once thrived there. The social setting is further emphasised through the symbolism of the television screens, described as "firefly light" flickering behind windows, representing the artificial and isolated lives people now lead. These two techniques work together powerfully - the death imagery of the physical environment reflects the spiritual death of the community, while the weak "firefly" symbolism shows how people have retreated into artificial worlds. Bradbury forces us to reflect on how our increasing dependence on technology threatens to isolate us from real human connection, warning that we risk becoming spiritually dead even while physically alive. As humans, we need genuine community and connection to thrive, and Bradbury's dystopian vision reminds us of what we stand to lose if we allow technology to replace human relationships.