Thesis Statements and Essay Structure (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering thesis statements, essay structure, funnel introductions, and related concepts from the lecture notes.

Thesis statement

A concise statement at the end of the introduction that presents the essay’s topic, the writer’s position, and the main ideas to be discussed; it answers the essay question.

Topic

The subject of the essay around which the thesis is built.

Opinion/Position

The writer's stance or claim about the topic used in the thesis to guide the essay.

Main ideas

The three or more supporting points that develop and back up the thesis in the body paragraphs.

Evidence

Facts, data, examples, and details used to support the main ideas.

Hook

The opening device that grabs the reader’s attention in a funnel introduction (e.g., a question, story, significant fact, quote, or definition).

Funnel introduction

An introductory structure with several general statements leading to a specific thesis; it includes a hook and background and ends with the thesis.

General statements

Broad background sentences in a funnel intro that prepare the reader for the topic.

Building sentences

Sentences after the hook that provide context and gradually focus toward the thesis.

Subtopics

Specific subdivisions of the main topic listed in the thesis to outline what the essay will discuss.

Organization method

The structure or order of ideas signposted by the thesis (how the essay will be organized).

Topic sentence

The first sentence of a body paragraph that states its controlling idea.

Supporting sentences

Sentences that explain and develop the topic sentence with evidence.

Concluding sentence

The sentence that ends a body paragraph, often providing a transition to the next paragraph.

Introduction

The first part of an essay that introduces the topic, outlines main ideas, and leads into the body.

Body

The middle part of an essay consisting of paragraphs that develop the thesis and main ideas.

Conclusion

The final paragraph that restates the thesis, summarizes main ideas, and offers a final thought; no new information should be introduced.

Restated thesis

A reworded version of the thesis presented in the conclusion.

Final thought

The last idea or recommendation designed to leave a strong impression, such as a solution or prediction.

Research beyond lectures

Gathering evidence from sources outside lectures and textbooks to support arguments.