Essay Terminology

Essay – An opinion (argument) supported by evidence (specific details) that expresses your thoughts (commentary) about a subject. All essays have at least three paragraphs: an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction – The first paragraph in an essay that includes the following:

“Hook” -– Also called the “Grabber”, it engages the reader's attention with the use of a quote or a general statement that introduces the theme of your essay.

Thesis Statement – A sentence with a subject and an opinion that is the    controlling/main idea of the essay. It can either be near the beginning or the end of your introductory paragraph.

Main Points – Introduces the supporting details that will be elaborated on in your body paragraphs. These will be reflected in your topic sentences.

Body Paragraph – A middle paragraph in an essay. It develops a point you want to make that supports your thesis. Included in the body paragraph are the following:

Topic Sentence – The first sentence in a body paragraph that includes a subject and opinion. It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. See main points .

Specific Details – Also called Concrete Details , these form the core of your body paragraph. Specific details are facts and examples from the text that are written in your own words and support your topic sentence.

Quote – Textual evidence that supports the specific details; the author's words used to strengthen your details. See In-Text Citations for directions.

Commentary/Analysis – Your opinion regarding the significance of details and quote. Begin with “This shows that...” for momentum. Synonyms include opinion, insight, inference, interpretation, personal response, evaluation, explication, and reflection.

Transition/Clincher – A sentence that either transitions/leads into the next paragraph, or concludes the paragraph with a final piece of commentary.

Conclusion – The last/concluding paragraph in the essay. It sums up your ideas, reflects on what you have already said, and adds final commentary about the subject. It includes the following:

Restate the Thesis – A rewording of your thesis statement.

Concluding Statement – The last sentences of your essay. It is all commentary, gives a personal statement about the subject, does not repeat a line from your paper, and provides a finished feeling to the essay.