English Writing

Concluding Sentence

A concluding sentence comes at the end of a support paragraph. It reaffirms the main point of the paragraph while also bringing the paragraph to a natural close.

Support Paragraphs

A group of sentences that work together to explain, illustrate, or provide evidence for a single topic sentence. The purpose of support paragraphs is to support the central point of the essay as stated in the essay's thesis. Support paragraphs form the "body" of an essay. They begin with a topic sentence, include supporting details in the middle, and end with a concluding sentence.

Summary

A summary is a restatement of someone else's words in your own words. It's purpose is to provide a condensed and objective account of the main idea's and features of text.

Theisis

A thesis is a statement that declares the writer's main point, which is often an argumentative stance, on the topic of the piece of writing. The thesis is often located in the introduction near the end of the paragraph.

Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is the first sentence of a support paragraph. It usually answers the question provoked by the thesis in some way, and it also establishes a clear point of focus for the paragraph it begins.

Counter Argument

A viewpoint that opposes your main argument. A counter argument is a good part of persuasive writing and speaking strategy because they show that you've considered other points of view. They set up the chance to refute the opposition and show why your position is a good one to have.

Rhetorical Situation (how do we use it as writers and readers?)

Compilation of all the rhetorical elements used. Readers use them to break down the reading to further their understanding of it. Writers use it to learn how to write different types of paper.

Audience

Intended audience, who you're writing your paper for. Writers take into account the level of vocab and understanding of your topic ex. 3rd graders vs. chemistry majors

Introduction Paragraph

Introductions form the beginning of essays. They may be a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the length of the piece of writing and the complexity of the topic. They Introduce and provides background information for the topic at hand to fully prepare the reader for the specific point of the essay. They usually include the thesis.

Logos

It is the rhetoric appeal to reasons and logic; explaining to the readers their claim

MLA (What does MLA stand for? What aspects of writing does it govern?)

Modern Language Association. We use this to cite sources that are included in our writing. Governs formatting, citations, spacing, etc.

Supporting Details

Supporting details, which may take the form of source citations, personal observations, anecdotes, logical explanations, etc., are details that serve as evidence in support of a claim made in the topic sentence of an essay's support paragraph.

Purpose

The effect you wish to have on your intended audience. You have to know your purpose while writing or else your essay will be unfocused and unorganized. Also for readers it helps to know what the essay want you to do or think after you are done reading to better understand the writing.

Occasion

The immediate cause or the pressing need to write, whether assigned to you or determined by you. Readers should think about whether the occasion would make the writer biased on the subject.

Genre

The kind or form of writing you select ex. Poems, novels, argumentative, etc. It helps convey purpose to your readers, and you know what is expected by your readers in formatting and organization.

Ethos

The rhetoric appeal to character and credibility

Pathos

The rhetoric appeal to emotion

Context

What is going on outside of the writing? The year, big events, where it is published, ongoing conversations about the topic. It is important for readers to think about how context affects the writing, such as a scientific article published before a big discovery in that scientific field and how it may not be the most reliable source to use considering the information that is not taken into account.

Writer

Who composed writing? What's their purpose? What do they want to accomplish? What are their values?

Rhetorical Appeals (what are they for? How do they work?)

Writers appeal to an audience by using logos, ethos, and pathos.

Paraphrase

a restatement of speech or writing that retain the basic meaning while changing the words. A paraphrase often clarifies the original statement by putting it into words that are more easily understood.

Direct Quotation

exact words of someone else woven into your writing. Direct quotations can spice up your writing, tie in what you are writing about to something specific. Direct quotations can also provide examples that strengthen a thought or idea.

Concluding Paragraph

the last paragraph in an academic essay. It summarizes the essay, presents the main idea of the essay, or gives an overall solution to a problem or argument given in the essay.