Essay Writing and Paragraph Structure

Flashcards covering introduction and body paragraph components based on lecture notes.

Hook / Overall Topic Intro

The opening component of an introduction paragraph that draws the reader in and gets them interested in the essay topic.

Background / Summary of Subtopics

The part of an introduction paragraph that provides essential context, written assuming the reader knows nothing about the topic.

Thesis Statement

The main claim or central argument presented in an essay.

Topic Sentence

The opening sentence of a body paragraph that tells the reader what the paragraph will talk about.

Concrete Evidence

A quote or supporting detail taken directly from the text, which must be properly introduced and cited.

Evidence Explanation

The portion of a body paragraph that explains why the information is important, how the evidence supports the basic idea, and why the quote is relevant.

Concluding Statement

The final sentence of a body paragraph that reflects back on the main idea.

Body Paragraph Circle Steps

The sequence of actions for structuring body paragraphs: Restate the question, Answer the question, Cite the text, Explain the quote, and Summarize.