Essay Writing Terms

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Paragraph

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A group of related sentences that talk about one main idea.

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Sentence

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A group of words that expresses a complete thought–they should start with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark.

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Source

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A place where information is found, such as a book, website, person or provided text for an assignment.

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Thesis Statement

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A sentence that tells the reader the main idea or purpose of an essay. Argumentative essays have one that includes a claim and reasons in one sentence. While an explanatory essay will include a simple summary of the topic and details that will be discussed.

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Conclusion

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A final paragraph of an essay that sums up the main points and provides a resolution.

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Introduction

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The opening paragraph of an essay that introduces the topic and presents the thesis statement.

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Body Paragraph

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A paragraph in an essay that develops a specific point related to the thesis statement, usually containing evidence and analysis.

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Evidence

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Facts, examples, or details that support a claim or thesis statement.

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Argument

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A statement that declares a belief or position on a certain topic, supported by evidence.

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Transition

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Words or phrases that connect ideas and help the flow of an essay.