Here is a working glossary of the terms we use when discussing essays. Terms are presented in order they'd be written in your essay. If you are familiar with these terms, you will likely be able to craft a strong essay.
Click on the term to hear Mr. Sheehy talk with you about that particular part of the essay.
introduction: the first paragraph of an essay, focuses readers upon the topic by grabbing their interest and then explaining the precise topic
attention grabber: draws readers into the topic in a captivating way – can be broader or tangential to the topic, since the rest of the introduction will steer it back on course
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a one sentence statement explaining what the essay is about.
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if the essay is a response to a question, the thesis is a one sentence answer to the question
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a five paragraph essay thesis usually lists the three points to be made in the essay
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a thesis is a claim that needs to be defended
supporting paragraph: a paragraph that explains one of the main points of the essay – it supports the thesis claim
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the first sentence of the paragraph
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like the thesis, it is a one sentence explanation about what is to come in that paragraph – it covers all the content of the paragraph
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makes a claim that needs to be supported/defended with specific details
supporting details aka specific details: details given in the supporting paragraph that defend the claim made in a topic sentence
clincher statement: a statement at the end of a supporting paragraph that summarizes and wraps up the paragraph. In a sense, it is a topic sentence for the end of the paragraph, though usually it’s said in a more conclusive, memorable way. It’s a way to hammer home the claim you’ve made in a paragraph.
conclusion: the final paragraph of your paper, reminding readers what you have said and what your main points are
thesis restated: The thesis, said again, as the first sentence of your conclusion. Copy and paste it if it helps – but do NOT begin a conclusion by saying “In conclusion.”
Thought to ponder: A broad thought that you can say now that you have taken readers through your essay. It often works to connect your thought to ponder back to your attention grabber. Whatever you do, make the last thing you say something readers can think about even after they put your essay down. What can a reader learn about life from reading this essay? The thought to ponder is the place to put that.