Key Academic Terms for Essay Writing

Draft

A draft is a preliminary or initial version of a piece of writing that will ultimately have multiple versions. Examples: rough draft vs. final draft

Graphic Organizer

A graphic organizer is a visual display that demonstrates relationships between facts, concepts or ideas. A graphic organizer guides the learner's thinking as they fill in and build upon a visual map or diagram.

Topic Sentence

A sentence that introduces a paragraph by presenting the one topic that will be the focus of the paragraph.

Conclusion

A summary based on evidence or facts. It should include a restatement of the thesis statement, references to supporting evidence/details and a call to action.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is the process of generating ideas or solutions before you start writing an essay. Examples: quick-writes, mind maps, bullet points, etc.

Editing/Proofreading

Editing involves looking at each sentence carefully, and making sure that it's well-designed and serves its purpose. Proofreading involves checking for grammatical and punctuation errors, spelling mistakes, etc.

Prompt

Essay prompts are statements that focus on a topic or an issue, followed by questions. The purpose of an essay prompt is to inspire a response in the form of an essay, which will assess your writing, reasoning, and analytical skills. Examples: How does the setting affect the main character? How does the main character overcome a problem? How does the author use symbolism to communicate a theme?

Requirements/Criteria

Essay requirements are the specific elements your teacher is requiring for that specific essay. Examples: The number of pages or paragraphs, the number of quotations or sources, etc.

Formatting

Formatting is the specific way in which your final piece of writing will be presented to your reader. Examples: MLA (font, size, spacing, etc.)

Revision/Revising

Revision literally means to "see again," to look at something from a fresh, critical perspective. It is an ongoing process of rethinking the paper: reconsidering your arguments, reviewing your evidence, refining your purpose, reorganizing your presentation, reviving stale language/word choice, etc.

hook

The first sentence or question in an essay that is designed to grab the reader's attention

supporting evidence/details

These are the facts or details that back up a main idea, theme, or thesis.

Thesis Statement/Claim

a short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point of an essay, research paper, etc.

Transitional words and phrases

words or phrases that connect ideas to make writing flow better

Call to action

writing that urges people to action or promotes change