Expository Essay Vocabulary

The beginning sentence of an essay that grabs the reader's attention.

• hook

• thesis

• introduction

• topic sentence

The main or controlling idea of the essay includes the subject of the essay and the topics contained in the body paragraphs of the essay.

• hook

• thesis

• introduction

• topic sentence

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

This is the first paragraph of an essay. It includes the hook, bridge, and ends with the thesis statement.

• hook

• thesis

• introduction

• topic sentence

These contain a topic sentence that tells readers what the paragraph is going to be about, supporting CERs, and a concluding sentence that emphasizes the importance of the supporting ideas.

• hook

• thesis

• introduction

• body paragraph

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.2B

CCSS.W.9-10.4

This is the last paragraph in an essay and generally summarizes the essay, and rewords the thesis statement of the essay.

• hook

• conclusion

• introduction

• body paragraph

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.2F

CCSS.W.9-10.1E

These include definition, quote, simile, and metaphor.

• types of hooks

• conclusion

• introduction

• body paragraph

Defines an important keyword from the prompt or theme of the essay using the dictionary or rephrase in your own words.

• quote

• exclamation

• startling fact

• definition

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

This is a type of hook which is true or proven information that may surprise or shock your reader.

• quote from the text

• published hook

• simile

• metaphor

This is a type of hook which cites someone else's words that relate to your topic.

• quote from the text

• published quote

• simile

• metaphor

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as

• quote from the text

• published quote

• simile

• metaphor

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6