Writing Skills Combined

Prompt

The issue and instructions you write about.

Issue

The debatable topic in the prompt.

Perspective

One point of view on the issue. The prompt gives three.

Position

The side you take on the issue.

Thesis

One sentence that states your position and main reason.

Analysis

Explaining what ideas mean and why they matter, not just stating them.

Counterargument

A view that disagrees with yours.

Rebuttal

Your response to a counterargument.

Implication

A result or effect that follows from an idea.

Reason

A why that supports your thesis.

Evidence

Facts, examples, or experiences that support a reason.

Example

A specific case that shows your point.

Explanation

Shows HOW your example proves your point.

Introduction

The first paragraph. It grabs attention and states the thesis.

Hook

An opening line that grabs the reader's interest.

Body paragraph

A middle paragraph that develops one reason.

Topic sentence

The first sentence of a paragraph, stating its main point.

Transition

A word or phrase that connects ideas.

Conclusion

The final paragraph. It sums up and ties back to the thesis.

Outline

A quick plan of your essay before you write.

Tone

The attitude of your writing. Keep it formal and confident.

Audience

Who you are writing for.

Sentence variety

Using sentences of different lengths and structures.

Proofread

Reread to fix errors before time runs out.

Rubric

The scoring guide readers use.