Parts of an Essay

The first sentence in an essay that is designed to grab the reader's attention.

• hook

• bridge

• thesis

• topic sentence (TS)

The sentence(s) connecting the hook to the thesis; designed to help essay flow smoothly

• concrete detail (CD)

• bridge

• concluding sentence (CS)

• topic sentence (TS)

The primary position taken by a writer or speaker

• hook

• topic sentence (TS)

• thesis

• commentary (CM)

A sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs

• thesis

• hook

• concrete detail (CD)

• topic sentence (TS)

Specific details that form the basis of your body paragraph and provide evidence. Can be facts, examples, quotes, plot examples, paraphrases, etc. that prove your topic.

• concrete detail (CD)

• commentary (CM)

• topic sentence (TS)

• concluding sentence (CS)

An inference, opinion, or comment about the Concrete Detail. Says what the CD means and why it matters.

• commentary (CM)

• topic sentence (TS)

• concluding sentence (CS)

• concrete detail (CD)

the last sentence of a paragraph; reiterates (or repeats) the main idea presented in the Topic Sentence (TS) in a different way (re-worded); gives the paragraph a finished or complete feeling

• topic sentence (TS)

• restate thesis

• concluding sentence (CS)

• call to action

a word or phrase that links different ideas

• hook

• prompt

• thesis

• transition

The first sentence of the conclusion in which the writer reminds the reader of the main idea of the essay

• thesis

• topic sentence (TS)

• restate thesis

• hook

writing that urges people to action or promotes change

• call to action

• conclusion paragraph

• tone

• voice