Essay Vocab 1

Question 1

Thesis

Answer 1

The point of an essay and the answer to a specific question.

Question 2

Research Question

Answer 2

Questions that arise after reading/viewing a piece of literature/narrative. It is the starting point of an essay and is to be answered directly by the thesis statement.

Question 3

Claim

Answer 3

An opinion/proposition that the author “claims” to be true.

Question 4

Proposition

Answer 4

A statement that the author is proposing for proof of their claim.

Question 5

Statement

Answer 5

A sentence that can either be true or false.

Question 6

Topic sentence

Answer 6

A sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.

Question 7

Paragraph

Answer 7

4+ sentences usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering.

Question 8

Body Paragraph

Answer 8

Units of text that offer supporting evidence to back up the thesis statement of an essay, report, or story. A good body paragraph contains three main sections: a topic sentence, relevant supporting sentences, and a closing (or transition) sentence. Any sentence should contain a quote.

Question 9

Quote

Answer 9

Words/sentences enclosed by “” and are not the author’s own words.

Question 10

Citation

Answer 10

Providing the source to a quotation from a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work.

Question 11

Commentary

Answer 11

A detailed analysis of a passage/quote.

Question 12

Transition

Answer 12

A word or phrase that connects one idea to another. This connection can occur within a paragraph or between paragraphs. Transitions are used to show how sentences or paragraphs are related to each other and how they relate to the overall theme of the paper.

Question 13

Margin Note

Answer 13

Writing on the sides of a paper/text detailing a person’s thoughts about said paper/text.

Question 14

Footnote

Answer 14

Supporting information printed at the bottom of the page that does not interrupt the flow to a piece.