Essay and Constructed Response (Definitions)

Specific details that form the backbone of a body paragraph. This includes facts/examples/proof/evidence. Usually written in the form of a quote or paraphrase. Also called "evidence."

• Topic Sentence (TS)

• Concrete Detail (CD)

• Commentary (CM)

• Concluding Sentence (CS)

Sentences that are your opinion/comment about something. This type of sentence is analysis or evaluation. Also called "reasoning."

• Topic Sentence (TS)

• Concrete Detail (CD)

• Commentary (CM)

• Concluding Sentence (CS)

The first sentence in a body paragraph. This sentence includes a claim.

• Topic Sentence (TS)

• Concrete Detail (CD)

• Commentary (CM)

• Concluding Sentence (CS)

The last sentence in a body paragraph. It gives a finished feeling to the paragraph.

• Topic Sentence (TS)

• Concrete Detail (CD)

• Commentary (CM)

• Concluding Sentence (CS)

phrase that prepares the reader for the next sentence.

Examples include: For example/In addition/Furthermore

• Transition

• Lead-in

• Quote

• Citation

Writing that blends a transition and a quote together.

• Transition

• Lead-in

• Quote

• Citation

A piece of direct evidence from a text. Used in Concrete Details.

• Transition

• Lead-in

• Quote

• Citation

A reference to a page number of a source in a Concrete Detail.

• Transition

• Lead-in

• Quote

• Citation

A list of sources the author used in their essay. This is usually prepared in MLA format.

• Works Cited / Bibliography

• Citation

Rewording a direct quote into your own words. This can be found in Concrete Details.

• Quote

• Paraphrase