Basic Elements of an Essay
Your main claim or argument about a topic
Thesis statement
Yes, I would love to ___ your invitation!
accept OR except?
accept (verb: consent to receive)
We wanted to leave at 8:00; ___, Jane arrived too late so we missed the train.
moreover OR however?
However (showing contrast)
She is a good "team player".
someone who acts in the interest of the entire group
He's really at the "top of his game" this semester.
to perform well at something
The data (e.g. facts, examples, details) that you use to support your thesis.
Evidence
AirPods are so easy to ___.
lose OR loose?
lose (verb: unable to find something)
I have been to many countries. ___, I have been to Canada, Mexico, and Spain.
for instance OR otherwise?
For instance (giving examples)
That homework was a "piece of cake".
very easy to do; simple
When writing the final draft, make sure to "cover all the bases" in your essay.
to be thorough and consider all the details of something
The work of breaking down and interpreting your evidence. It goes beyond summarizing and quoting, and is essential for a strong essay.
Analysis
The pandemic had a large ___ on my life.
affect OR effect?
effect (noun: the result or consequence)
Cheating is dishonest. ___, it hinders students from learning.
furthermore OR however?
Furthermore (adding information)
Let's just "take it easy" this weekend.
do not worry; relax
Going to tutoring will give you "a leg up" in the class.
to have an advantage over others
Persons or documents that the student summarizes, quotes, or paraphrases in the essay. They need to be integrated smoothly and cited appropriately.
Source(s)
It is a good idea to ___ your car.
ensure OR insure?
insure (verb: to take precautions against risk)
___ John's skill at tennis, he lost the match.
although OR despite?
Despite (showing concession)
I don't have much time. Can you please "cut to the chase"?
get to the main (most important) point
Her speech really "struck a chord" with me.
make a significant impact on someone
The context that you establish for your thesis; in other words, the reason why someone might want to read your essay. (Answers "So what?")
Motive
I think that Pepsi tastes better ___ Coke.
than OR then?
than (preposition: in comparison with)
Math was hard for me in high school. ___, it is hard in college.
likewise OR nevertheless?
Likewise (showing a similarity)
I don't know yet. Our plans are still "up in the air".
still being planned; undecided
I think discussing this is a "moot point".
the point is unnecessary or irrelevant