1. Writing Terms

2. 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

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

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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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…

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

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

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

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

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

17. 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

18. Argument
Expressing a point of view and supporting it with evidence

19. 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.

20. 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)

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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.