Terminology for Teaching the Multi-paragraph Essay

Essay

A piece of writing that establishes your thoughts concerning a subject.

Introduction

The first paragraph of the essay. It includes the thesis at the

paragraph’s end.

Body Paragraphs

Middle paragraphs in an essay which develop the idea stated in the

thesis.

Concluding Paragraph

The last paragraph in the essay which sums up the ideas reflected in

the essay, adds more commentary concerning the topic, or makes a

personal statement about the subject.

Thesis

A sentence with a topic and opinion concerning the topic.

Pre-Writing

This is the process of collecting the evidence for the essay and placing

this evidence in an order for presentation. Examples: bubble

clusters, outlines, line clustering, columns, etc.

Evidence

Specific details that form the core of the body paragraphs. Synonyms for “evidence” include: facts, specific details, examples, descriptions,

illustrations, support, proof, quotations, paraphrasing, plot

reference, etc.

Commentary

These are opinions or ideas concerning the link between thesis, assertions, and evidence. Synonyms

for commentary include: opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response,

feelings, evaluations, explications, reflections, etc.

Assertion

The first sentence of a body paragraph which establishes a link between the thesis and evidence, also known as a topic sentence

Concluding Sentence

The last sentence of a body paragraph. It is all commentary, gives a finishing feeling to the

paragraph, and can make a subtle transition to next paragraph

Shaping the Essay

This is a step after pre-writing and before the first draft of the essay. It

is a plan or schematic for the organization of the thesis, assertions,

evidence, commentary, and conclusion.

First Draft

First version is often termed the rough draft.

Final Draft

The final version of the essay.

Peer Response

The written responses and reactions to a paper.

Supporting Unit

AssertionEvidence

Two or more sentences of commentaryConcluding sentence

(This is the smallest unified group of thoughts that can be written.)

Weaving

The blending of evidence and commentary in the body paragraphs.

Ratio

The ratio of one part evidence to a least two parts commentary.