Body Paragraph (n)

A paragraph with one central idea that is usually located in the middle of an essay. A body paragraph typically has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.

Brainstorm (v)

To think of ideas.

Cohesion (n)

The quality of flowing logically from one idea to another.

Compare/contrast essay (n)

An essay that is written to show the similarities/differences between two subjects.

Concluding sentence (n)

The last sentence of a body paragraph. A conclusion sentence should bring a paragraph to a logical close.

Conclusion paragraph (n)

The final paragraph of an essay. A conclusion paragraph should bring an essay to a logical close.

Development (n)

Adequate details, reasons, examples, and explanation that clearly illustrate an idea.

Draft (v)

To write.

Edit (v)

To make changes to the grammar, spelling, and vocabulary of a piece of writing.

Essay (n)

A multi-paragraph composition on a subject. Often called a “paper.”

Free write (v)

To write without worrying about structure. This is frequently a strategy for brainstorming.

Hook (n)

The first sentence of an introduction paragraph that is written to catch a reader’s attention.

Idea Map (n)

A visual picture that shows connected ideas with a central topic and subtopics that branch out from the center. Making an idea map is frequently a strategy for brainstorming.

Introduction paragraph (n)

The first paragraph of an essay. An introduction paragraph provides background information that the reader needs and clearly states the main idea of the essay.

Outline (n)

A plan for an essay that shows the basic organization or structure that a piece of writing will follow.

Paragraph (n)

A group of sentences that develop one idea.

Plagiarism (n)

Using another person’s words or ideas without properly giving credit to the author.

Prewriting (n)

Activities completed before drafting an essay.

Problem/solution essay (n)

An essay that is written to describe the solution(s) to a problem.

Process Essay (n)

An essay that is written to show how something is done.

Revise (v)

To make changes to improve the clarity or effectiveness of an essay.

Summary (n)

A brief expression of the main ideas or major details from a source text (spoken or written)

Supporting sentence (n)

A sentence that provides details, examples, explanations, reasons, etc. to support a topic sentence.

Thesis (n)

The main idea of an essay.

Topic sentence (n)

The main idea of a paragraph.

Unity (n)

The quality of having all of the supporting sentences in a piece of writing support the topic sentence.