Parts of an Essay

Proof

A means of demonstrating that the writer understands the topic and supports the thesis of the essay - Text Evidence.

Body Paragraph

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

personal narrative

A piece of writing that describes an incident and includes a personal response to and reflection on the incident.

Topic Sentence

A sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.

Transition Sentences

A sentence that links the main idea of separate paragraphs. They help move from one idea to another.

Thesis statement

A short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

Call to Action

A writing that urges people to action or promotes change in the conclusion of the essay.

expository essay

An essay that explains, informs, or presents information.

argumentative essay

An essay, which attempts to convince the reader of the truth of a premise by means of logic and other forms of persuasion.

persuasive essay

Attempts to convince reader to take a course of action or adopt the writer's position on an issue.

Supporting Details

Explains how or why the proof is relevant and important. Thus it proves the topic sentence. Used in a body paragraph

Introductory Details

The details in the introduction that link the hook to the thesis statement.

Conclusion Paragraph

The final paragraph that restates the main points of the essay as well as the thesis statement and ends with a clinching last statement (Answers "So what?")

Introductory Paragraph

The first paragraph of an essay in which a background of the theme is given in an attention-grabbing way.

Restate Thesis

The first sentence of the conclusion in which the writer reminds the reader of the main idea of the essay.

Hook Sentence

The sentence in the introduction that gets the reader's attention.