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