Identifying Thesis Statements, Outlining, and Concept Papers

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers identification of thesis statements, outlining techniques, types of literary criticism, and the structural parts of a reaction paper and concept paper.

Thesis statement

The controlling idea that you will develop in your paper, usually found at the end of an introduction.

Topic

One of the three components of a thesis statement, referring simply to the topic of your paper.

Argument / claim

A component of a thesis statement that expresses an opinion for argumentative papers or explains the purpose for research/explanatory papers.

Evidence

The support provided for your argument or claim within a thesis statement.

Outline

A design to follow when writing a structure, discourse, or article that arranges material logically into main ideas, supporting ideas, or topics.

Roman Numerals

The characters used in an outline to indicate all main topics.

Capital Letters

The characters used in an outline to note subtopics.

Arabic Numerals

The characters used in an outline to indicate supporting details.

Sentence Outline

A type of outline that presents the thesis statement, major topics, subtopics, and supporting details in complete sentence form.

Topic Outline

A type of outline which presents the major topics, subtopics, and supporting details in the form of words and phrases.

Major topics

The major phrases or sentences which are formed from the thesis statement.

Subtopics

The minor phrases or sentences which are formed from the major topics.

Supporting Details

Phrases or sentences which provide additional information to clarify or prove the main idea and help explain ideas presented by major topics and subtopics.

Reaction Paper

A form of paper writing in which the writer expresses his ideas and opinions about what has been read or seen.

Review

A document that evaluates the quality, effectiveness, or value of a work, intended for recommendation.

Critique

A formal academic evaluation of a work based on specific standards or criteria, focusing on critical analysis rather than personal feelings.

Literary Criticism

The study, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works using different perspectives.

Feminist approach

A lens for literary criticism that examines literature through the lens of gender equality and woman's experience, focusing on gender roles and patriarchy.

Marxist Approach

A lens for literary criticism that examines social class, wealth, labor, and power, focusing on the Rich Vs. Poor and capitalism.

Historical Approach

A lens that studies literature based on the historical period in which it was written, including historical events, culture, and politics.

Readers response Approach

A lens where meaning comes from the interaction between the reader and the text, involving emotions and individual interpretation.

Concept Paper

A brief academic or professional document that presents and explains an idea, project, research study program, or proposed undertaking.

Title (Concept Paper)

A section that gives the reader a clear, specific, and concise idea of what the proposed project or study is about.

Introduction / Background

The section of a concept paper that provides the context and lead toward the problem or need that the project will address.

Objectives

The part of a concept paper explaining what the project intends to accomplish; these should be specific and measurable.

General objective

The overall goal of a project within a concept paper.

Specific objectives

The particular things the project hopes to accomplish, such as identifying students or providing weekly activities.

Proposed Solution (Methodology)

Explains how the proposed project will be implemented, including activities, participants, schedule, and procedures.

Beneficiaries

The section explaining who will benefit from the proposed project and how they will benefit.

Expected Outcomes

Describes the results that are expected after implementing the proposed project, such as improved vocabulary or increased confidence.

Timeline

The section showing when major activities like planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation will take place.

Budget / Resources Needed

Identifies estimated expenses (e.g., materials, printing, equipment) and resources required for the project.

Conclusion (Concept Paper)

Summarizes the proposed idea, restates the main problem, reinforces importance, and ends with a strong justification for implementation.

References

A list of sources used to support the concept paper, which can include books, journal articles, and reliable websites.