Essay Structre

Evidence

- information you use to support your claims - can be a fact or quote Example: "About 80% of 6th graders enjoy math according to a study by Summit Denali teachers."

Body paragraph

- paragraphs that are the main part of your paper; between introduction and conclusion paragraphs

Comment/Analysis

- sentences that describe or explain the evidence you gave Example: "Because of the severe effects of the California drought, people need to start conserving water."

Introductory paragraph

- the first paragraph of your essay - captures the interest of your reader - tells your reader why your topic is important - includes your thesis statement at the end

Topic sentence

- the first sentence in a paragraph - tells the reader what the paragraph is going to be about - summarizes the main idea Example: "In this digital age, students would likely focus more easily if they were allowed to use the tools that are most familiar to them."

Thesis statement

- the sentence that explains your main idea or argument for your paper - includes reasons to support your argument - comes at the end of your introductory paragraph Example: "Harry Potter is the most interesting book series because of the unique characters, terrifying villain, and magical setting."

Modified focus

A restated focus statement that remind readers of the main, original topic

Hook

A sentence or question set in the introduction of an essay that is designed to grab the reader's attention.

A summary of the main points

A short repetition of the main points of the body paragraphs. It is written in the conclusion.

Tone

Attitude (determined by the word choice and word arrangement)

Formality

Base on the audience, it's the level of words you choose to use

Overview

Connects or "bridges" the hook to the thesis. Explains the hook and provides more background information.

Supporting Information

Facts, details and examples in a body paragraph

Refuting Casual Flaw

Point out that there are other possible causes of B, other than A. Give some possible examples; Show that while there may be a strong correlation between A and B, it does not always follow that one is the cause for the other.

Refuting Analogy Logic Flaw

Show that A and B are dissimilar, nothing like each other; What is true for one does not have to be true for the other.

Refuting Statistical Logic Flaw

Show that one cannot assume that the opinions or experiences of a smaller group (A) is representative or a reflection of the larger group (B)

Organization

The arrangement of your paragraphs/details

Flow

The efficiency of an essay. It has to be well-connected and easy to read

The Final Thought

The last sentence of the conclusion. Something that leaves the reader with something to think about. It can be a final thought, a question, a statement, or a prediction.

The title

The name of the essay

Editing and Revising

The process you go through with your teacher, other students or alone to make your first draft better. Editing involves re-reading your essay and correcting grammar, spelling and syntax mistakes. Revising means re-reading and re-writing your essay to make sure it is organised well and contains all the information you are asked to include in your essay.

An Outline

The structured notes you make before writing your essay. It should be in bullet point form and not complete sentences.

A restated thesis

The thesis statement repeated but written in a different way, in the conclusion.

Context

- giving background information about your topic - helps the reader understand more about your topic

Transition

Words/phrases that help connect one idea to the next. Transition sentences are often used between body paragraphs. Example: "Another way

The Final Copy

Your final, best attempt at writing the essay. It is your best effort after feedback from your teacher and classmates.

The first draft

Your first attempt at writing the essay, the first variant.

sympathy

feeling sorry for someone; pity

Quotation

something someone else says - use quotation marks to show this Example: "I'm really hungry," said Ms. Andersen.

catalyst

the thing that starts a reaction; the cause