Writing Terms

Introduction The beginning of a piece of writing that introduces the main idea or topic Lets the reader know what the essay will be about

Body The “meat” of the essay that fully explains the central idea Should include supporting details about the central idea

Conclusion The ending that wraps up the writing and brings it to a close Should restate the central idea and main point

Tone/Voice The underlying attitude that is present in written work For example: friendly, formal, light-hearted, serious…

Organization Making the ideas flow in a logical order All of the ideas presented in your essay are connected. Your writing moves smoothly from one idea to another.

Content The ideas and opinions that are present in written work The information that is used to create a written work

Vivid Having much detail to allow the reader to visualize what is being read Using wording and phrasing that “paints a picture” in the mind of the reader

Precise To be very exact in your writing Using phrasing that aids the reader in understanding Do not be vague (unclear)

Controlling Idea (aka – central idea, main idea) The main idea that the author is trying to get across to the reader What the writing is about

Transitional Devices Statements or wording used to shift to a new point or topic For example Shortly after, the government… Overall, the use of animal testing… Following his lead, the rest of the school…

Development Writing in a logical order and building up to the controlling idea

Phrasing How a sentence is worded The word choice used to make a point Shut the door vs. Slammed the door

Awareness of Audience Knowing who your readers will be (teachers, peers, adults, principal, parent, etc.) Using appropriate wording to appeal to the readers.

Conventions Make sure your writing has correct: Spelling Punctuation Capitalization Grammar

Statement of Purpose/Focus States what you are writing about. Responds to the topic/writing prompt in its entirety.

Elaboration All the facts you state in your essay to support your central idea Explaining in detail so that the reader understands what you are trying to say Sometimes, the writer may want to explain the same topic multiple ways to allow the reader to better understand

Argument Expressing a point of view and supporting it with evidence

Claim Your side of the argument The fact you are stating (that will later be supported by relevant evidence) Ex. Sugary snacks are not healthy for young children.

Counterclaim A claim that negates or disagrees with your claim The opposite side of the argument Remember that there are always 2 sides to every story (claim vs. counterclaim)

Opposing The opposite side or opinion Example Sugary snacks are not healthy for young children OR Sugary snacks are healthy for young children

Evidence All the facts you state in your argument that prove your claim is correct Example Claim sugary snacks are not healthy for young children Evidence it causes weight gain It causes hyper activity It causes loss of focus

Convincing Providing enough relevant evidence (research/statistics) so that the reader believes that you are correct The writer wants to provide plenty of evidence to persuade/convince the reader that the claim is correct beyond a shadow of a doubt

Rebuttal Evidence that proves the counterclaim to be wrong Provide plenty of factual evidence to disprove the counterclaim and to give more credibility to you your own claim

Elaboration Explaining in detail so that the reader understands what you are trying to say Sometimes, the writer may want to explain the same topic multiple ways to allow the reader to better understand

SUMMARY/ Helpful Tips Introduction, body, and conclusion refer to sections of an essay. Each section should be its own paragraph. The beginning of each paragraph should be indented thumb width. Capitalize the first letter of cities, states, and proper nouns (White House). Type in Microsoft Word to spellcheck. Summarize main ideas in introduction, elaborate with supporting evidence in the body (up to 3 paragraphs) Restate and drive the point home in the conclusion. Assert your ideas. Do not talk to the reader. Do not end on a question. Anchor your ideas.