Parts of an Essay
Vocabulary to Know
Paragraph
Synonym
A section of writing that
should be at least five
sentences long.
A word that means
exactly or nearly the
same as another word.
Example: Angry=mad,
irritated
Parts of an Essay
Essay
A piece of writing that
gives your thoughts
(commentary) about a
subject. All essay must
have an introduction,
body paragraphs, and a
conclusion.
Hamburger Example
Parts of an Essay
Introduction
The first
paragraph of an
essay. This
includes a thesis,
most often at the
end.
Parts of an essay
Body Paragraphs
A middle
paragraph in an
essay. It
develops a point
you want to make
that supports
your thesis.
Parts of an Essay
Concluding
Paragraph
(also called a
conclusion)
The last paragraph in the
essay. It may sum up
your ideas, reflect on
what wrote, say more
commentary about your
subject, or give a
personal statement
about the subject.
“a wrap up”
Parts of an Essay
Your conclusion is all commentary and
does not include concrete detail.
(facts)
Parts of an Essay
Thesis
A sentence with a
subject and opinion
(also called a
commentary). This
comes somewhere in
your introductory
paragraph and most
often at the end.
Choose your thesis position
1. Eating breakfast is the only way a person can
have a successful day.
2. Watching TV causes children and teenagers
to gain weight.
3. All students who try out for team sports
should make the team.
4. Snickers is the best candy bar ever made!
Parts of an Essay
Concrete
Detail
Specific details that
form the backbone or
core of your body
paragraphs. Synonyms
include: facts,
examples, support,
proof evidence,
quotations,
paraphrasing, or plot
reference.
Parts of Speech
Commentary
Your opinion or comment
about something;
synonyms for
commentary include:
opinion, insight,
analysis, feelings,
interpretations,
personal response, and
inference
Parts of an Essay
Topic Sentence
The first sentence in
a body paragraph.
This must have a
subject and opinion
(commentary) for the
paragraph. It acts as
a road map for the
entire paragraph.
Parts of an Essay
Concluding
Sentence
The last sentence
in a body
paragraph. It is
all commentary
and gives a
finished feel to
the paragraph.
Your Turn! 25 points!
You have learned nine new terms for Parts of an
Essay.
Your Job: Come up with one question for each
term.
Example:
Q. What is the middle paragraph of an essay
called?
A. Body paragraph
Daily 9/7/11
The large golden retriever was happy to find a bone.
1. Underline the complete subject.
2. Circle the complete predicate.
3. Write 2 synonyms for large and happy.
Daily 9/8/11
An opinion is sometimes called a __________.
A piece of writing that gives your thoughts
about a subject is called an __________.