ESSAY

A piece of writing that makes a point about a subject. All essays contain an introductory paragraph, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.

INTRODUCTION (introductory paragraph)

The first paragraph in an essay. When discussing a novel, it includes the title and author, background information that is pertinent to your topic, and the thesis. It should contain 5-8 well-developed sentences, one of which should be your thesis.

THESIS

States the main idea of your essay or what you are trying to prove or support. It is the focus of your entire essay.
 

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Middle paragraphs in an essay. They develop points that support your thesis.
Each body paragraph should contain 8-11 well-developed sentences.
 

TOPIC SENTENCE

The first sentence in a body paragraph, which focuses on a point that supports your thesis. Must have a subject that guides the reader's attention in a particular direction.
 

CONCRETE DETAILS (CD)

Make a specific point. Must support the TS (topic sentence). May include facts, evidence, quotations, proof, or plot reference in a literature paper. The WHAT of an essay.
 

COMMENTARY (CM)

This is ELABORATION, how you are proving or supporting your specific point or premise (CD), through interpretation, insight, analysis, or a character's feelings in a literature paper. These are original statements about your concrete details (CD). The SO WHAT of the essay.
 

CHUNK

One sentence of concrete detail and two or more sentences of commentary. Is the smallest unified group of thoughts you can write.

1 concrete detail (CD)
2+commentary (CM)
OR
1CD: 2+CM
 

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

The last sentence in each body paragraph. It "nails down" the specific point Does NOT repeat key words. Smoothly transitions into the next paragraph.
 

CONCLUSION (concluding paragraph)

Last paragraph in your essay. Summarizes what you have said in the body of your paper, restates main idea (using different words), (does NOT repeat key words from thesis or introductory paragraph), extends, may end with a quotation. Gives the entire essay a finished feeling. Should contain 5-8 well-developed sentences.
 

OUTLINING

Summary of the main points and ideas that supports them. Done before writing the first (rough) draft. The purpose of an outline is to organize your ideas.
 

FIRST DRAFT (rough draft)

The first version of your essay.

FINAL DRAFT

The final version of your essay.
 

REVISON

Making corrections and improvements to the first draft. This is where you define or polish your first draft.
 

TRANSITIONS

Word bridges that add to the smoothness of an essay. Without transitions, writing often feels choppy. Below is a list of possible transitions.

Consequently, Furthermore, Moreover, Still
Even so, In addition, Of course, Therefore,
For example, In fact, On the other hand,
 

NOTE: Do not use I, or I feel, or I think, or as I said. Do not say in conclusion, or as I have shown or as I have proven. Points will be deducted if any of these phrases are used. Do NOT tell us what is going to be discussed or what the essay is about. Just write the essay!