Writing Unit Terms

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Annotation

Back

A critical or explanatory note or body of notes added to a text

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Assertion

Back

A specific point an author plans to make about the topic or main idea of a paragraph

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Author’s purpose

Back

The reason for or intent for writing; this can be to amuse the reader, to persuade the reader, to inform the reader, or to satirize a condition

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Bias

Back

Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

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Closure

Back

The sentence that finalizes the discussion of the main idea of a paragraph; it may provide transition to a new idea to be discussed in a following paragraph

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Commentary

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The sentence that follows a quote from a source that provides authority for an assertion, writers must then explain how or why the source supports the assertion

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In-Text/Parenthetical Citation

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The proper use of a citation format such as MLA can help you avoid plagiarism. Parenthetical citations within the text of your paper let your reader know when you've used information from another source. The parenthetical citation corresponds to a source listed on your works cited page

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Main Idea

Back

The main idea is the point of the paragraph. It is the most important thought about the topic. To figure out the main idea, ask yourself this question: What is being said about the person, thing, or idea (the topic)? The author can locate the main idea in different places within a paragraph

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Support/Evidence

Back

A quotation from your research or a supporting detail from a text. You have made an assertion about your topic and now it is time to find an authoritative source to act as proof and “back you up.” The authority of the assertion can be research or a line from a work read in a textbook or novel – it is anything that supports the assertion you have made

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Supporting details

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A paragraph contains facts, statements, examples-specifics which guide us to a full understanding of the main idea. They clarify, illuminate, explain, describe, expand and illustrate the main idea and provide support for the main idea.