Paragraph Structure, Composition/Paragraph Structure Terms

Topic Sentence

A sentence, most often appearing at the beginning of a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's idea and often unites it with the work's thesis.

Examples

An illustration that supports or provides more information about something.

Supporting Details

Details that help to explain the central idea/topic sentence: facts, statistics, examples, quotations.

Facts

Statements that can be proven and are used to support a point.

Quotations

The actual words of another person used to support a point.

Main Idea

The author's central thought; the chief topic of a text expressed or implied in a word or phrase; the topic sentence of a paragraph.

Clincher Sentence

The powerful finishing sentence that summarizes the point being made in a paragraph (or in the overall essay)

Transitions

Words or phrases that specify a relationship between sentences and between paragraphs. They help direct the reader from one idea to another.

Explanations

Your words that show how the supporting details supports the main idea.

Thesis Statement

a clear statement of the main point you intend to make in your paper; found in the last sentence of the introductory paragraph

Introduction

a paragraph that introduces the ideas covered in an essay

Conclusion

a paragraph that wraps up a piece of writing (usually restates main ideas)

Text Evidence

information from a story or article that provides proof for an answer to a question

Coherence

quality of a piece of writing in which all the parts contribute to the development of the central idea, theme, or organizing principle

Descriptive Language

use specific and vivid word choice to enhance your writing

Hook

usually found in the introduction; a way to grab the reader's attention

Unity

when all of the sentences in a paragraph relate to the topic sentence