Writing Terminology Essay: A piece of writing that gives a writer’s thoughts about a subject. All essays will be a minimum of 4 paragraphs: an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Introduction(also called the introductory paragraph): The first paragraph in an essay. It includes a thesis, most often at the end. It is at least 40 words and a minimum of 3 sentences. Body paragraph: A middle paragraph in an essay. It develops a point you want to make that supports your thesis. It is at least 100 words and a minimum of 8 sentences.

Term. Cont’d Concluding Paragraph (also called the conclusion): The last paragraph in an essay. It may sum up the ideas presented, reflect on what was said, say more commentary about the subject, or give a personal statement about the subject. The conclusion is all commentary and does not include concrete detail. It does not repeat key words from the paper and especially not from the thesis and introductory paragraph. It must give a finished feel to the whole essay and is at least 40 words. It is at least 40 words and 3 sentences.

Term, cont’d Thesis: A sentence with a subject and opinion (also called commentary). This comes somewhere in the introductory paragraph—most often at the end. Pre-writing: The process of getting concrete details on paper before organizing the essay into paragraphs. Concrete details(CD): Specific details that form the backbone of the body paragraphs. Synonyms for concrete detail include facts, specifics, examples, support, proof, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references.

Term, cont’d Quotation CD: A word or phrase taken directly from the story, text, or source material. Paraphrase CD: A word or phrase rewritten into the words of the writer taken from the story, text, or source material. Commentary (CM): The writer’s opinion or comment about something; not concrete detail. Synonyms include opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, feelings, evaluation, and reflection.

Term, cont’d. Topic Sentence (TS) The first sentence in a body paragraph. This must have a subject and opinion (commentary) for the paragraph. It does the same thing for a body paragraph that the thesis does for the whole essay. Concluding sentence (CS): The last sentence in a body paragraph. It is all commentary, does not repeat key words, and gives a finished feel to the paragraph.

Term, cont’d. Shaping the essay: The step that is done after pre-writing and before the first draft of an essay; it is an outline of the thesis, topic sentences, concrete details, and commentary ideas. First draft: the first version of the essay (also called the rough draft). Final draft: the final version of the essay.

Term, cont’d. Peer Response: Written responses and reactions to a partner’s paper. Peer Editing: Correction of form errors by a partner or group. Chunk: One sentence of concrete detail and 2 sentences of commentary. It is the smallest unified group of thoughts that will be acceptable.

Term, cont’d. Weaving: The process of blending concrete detail and commentary together in a body paragraph. Ratio: The ration of 1 part CD to 2+ parts CM. Word Counts: The minimum length of each paragraph to earn a “C” grade.