Understanding Essay Components

Evidence

• A fact that supports the topic sentence

• An opinion that contradicts the main idea

• A summary of the entire text

• A rhetorical question to engage the reader

Justification

• Explanation that connects evidence to your claim/thesis

• Statement of opinion without evidence

• Summary of the main points

• Definition of a term

Topic Sentence

• introduces the main idea of the paragraph

• reflects the main support (of the thesis) you are discussing in the paragraph

• provides a conclusion for the paragraph

• summarizes the entire essay

Transition

• word/phrase that helps move from one idea to the next

• a type of punctuation used in writing

• a synonym for change

• a method of organizing paragraphs

Claim/Thesis

• The main argument you are trying to prove in your essay

• A summary of the entire essay

• The conclusion of your essay

• The introduction of your essay

Conclusion paragraph

• Final paragraph that includes a restatement of the thesis, a summary of main ideas, and a call to action.

• Introduction paragraph that presents the main argument and supporting details.

• Body paragraph that elaborates on the thesis with examples and evidence.

• Transition paragraph that connects different sections of the essay.

Background Information

• general information your reader needs to know before reading your paper to fully understand.

• specific details that are only relevant to the conclusion of your paper.

• personal opinions and anecdotes that support your argument.

• data and statistics that are not directly related to your topic.

Refutation

• Addressing the counterclaim and explaining why it is wrong and further supporting your thesis

• Presenting evidence that supports the opposing argument

• Ignoring the counterclaim and focusing solely on your thesis

• Acknowledging the counterclaim without providing a rebuttal

Closing sentence

• wraps up main idea of the paragraph

• introduces a new topic

• provides a detailed explanation

• lists supporting details

Counterclaim

• The opposing viewpoint opposite of your argument

• A supporting argument that reinforces your position

• A neutral statement that does not take a side

• A summary of your main argument