Layout of a P.Q.E. Answer
P.Q.E. stands for Point/Quote/Explanation.
Make a point.
Support it with a quote.
Explain how that quote proves your point.
The following sample answer refers to the film "Billy Elliott" but P.Q.E. can be used for answers in Poetry, Drama, Comprehensions, Media Studies, Fiction, Leaving Cert Single and Comparative texts and much more.
If you can master the P.Q.E. structure, not only will your grades improve, but you will also find it easier to make your arguments clear.
The sample below was written by a First Year.
Q. From a film you have studied, choose a scene which you felt was significant. Briefly, describe the scene and explain why it is important.
A. In the film “Billy Elliot” a scene which I found significant was when Tony said goodbye to Billy. The scene is important because it tells us a lot about Tony’s character.
As Billy takes his seat on the bus to take him away from his family, Tony pretends to take something from his pocket but instead just sticks up his fingers at Billy. As the bus pulls off, Tony shouts “I’ll miss ya” but Billy doesn’t hear him.
Tony’s inability to communicate his feelings means that he has left it too late to tell Billy that he loves him and the two brothers separate without a proper goodbye.
Make a point.
Support it with a quote.
Explain how that quote proves your point.
The following sample answer refers to the film "Billy Elliott" but P.Q.E. can be used for answers in Poetry, Drama, Comprehensions, Media Studies, Fiction, Leaving Cert Single and Comparative texts and much more.
If you can master the P.Q.E. structure, not only will your grades improve, but you will also find it easier to make your arguments clear.
The sample below was written by a First Year.
Q. From a film you have studied, choose a scene which you felt was significant. Briefly, describe the scene and explain why it is important.
A. In the film “Billy Elliot” a scene which I found significant was when Tony said goodbye to Billy. The scene is important because it tells us a lot about Tony’s character.
As Billy takes his seat on the bus to take him away from his family, Tony pretends to take something from his pocket but instead just sticks up his fingers at Billy. As the bus pulls off, Tony shouts “I’ll miss ya” but Billy doesn’t hear him.
Tony’s inability to communicate his feelings means that he has left it too late to tell Billy that he loves him and the two brothers separate without a proper goodbye.