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 Assertion Evidence Two or more sentences of commentary Concluding 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.