Multi-paragraph Essay Terminology English

essay a piece of writing that gives your thoughts (commentary) about a subject

introduction (also called the introductory paragraph) the first paragraph in an essay It grabs the reader’s attention and introduces the thesis.

body paragraph a middle paragraph in an essay It develops a point you want to make that supports your thesis.

conclusion (also called the concluding paragraph) the last paragraph in your essay It may sum up your ideas, reflect on what you said in your essay, or say more commentary about your subject. Your conclusion is ALL COMMENTARY and does not repeat key words from your paper and especially from your thesis and introductory paragraphs. It gives a finished feeling to your essay.

thesis a sentence with a SUBJECT and an OPINION (also called commentary) This comes somewhere in your introductory paragraph and most often at the end.

pre-writing the process of getting your evidence down on paper before you organize your essay into paragraphs You can use any or all of the following: bubble clusters, outlines, line clustering, or columns.

evidence (E) specific details that support your TS Synonyms for evidence are: facts, specific examples, concrete detail, descriptions, illustrations, quotations, paraphrasing, examples, or plot references.

commentary (CM) your opinion or comment about your evidence that supports your TS Synonyms are: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, and reflection.

topic sentence the first sentence in a body paragraph This must have a SUBJECT and OPINION for the paragraph. It does the same thing for a body paragraph that the thesis does for the whole essay.

first draft the first version of your essay (also called the rough draft)

final draft the final version of your essay

chunk the smallest unified group of thoughts that you can write. A typical chunk includes 1 sentence of evidence (E) and 2 sentences of commentary (CM).

ratio the ratio of 1 part evidence (E) to 2 parts commentary (CM)

What does an effective writer need to consider? 1.Topic and opinion 2.Purpose and audience 3.Brainstorming techniques 4.Writing 5.Citing sources (MLA most common) 6.Editing 7.Revising 8.Assessment