Essential Essay Knowledge
Essay Structure
Claim and Thesis
Evidence and Elaboration
Essay 101
100

What two transition words or phrases can you use to start a conclusion?

To sum it up, In conclusion, To sum it up, Finally, etc.

100

What is the name of the first paragraph of an essay?

Introduction

100

What is a claim?

A claim is a statement that tells your position or point of view in an argument. What the writer wants to prove is TRUE. 

100

What is one thing you must have in your body paragraph if you make a claim?

Quote/ textual evidence

100

What does T.R.E.E.E.E.S. stand for 

Topic

Reason

Evidence 1

Elaboration

Evidence 2

Elaboration 

Summary

200

What are words like "Furthermore, In addition, As well as this, Also, Secondly, Moreover, etc." called in essay writing?

Transition words

200

This is always the last paragraph in an essay.

Conclusion

200

Where is a thesis statement/claim located in an essay?

A thesis statement/claim is located at the end of the introduction paragraph.

200

How may pieces of evidence do you need to have in a paragraph (at minimum)?

2

200

What should an expository essay planning page include?

One column notes for each text provided?

300

What paragraph must your main argument be stated in first?

In the introduction

300

Where in the introduction paragraph should the thesis statement/claim be?

The last sentence/at the end

300

Which of the following is a claim? a. Students should wear uniforms because they are cool. b. Students should wear uniforms because they reduce bullying and provide safety at schools. c. Students should not wear uniforms because they are ugly.

B

300

Which of the following is not evidence? a. 90% of girls like the color green b. 1 out of 5 boys plays basketball c. a scientist explains that "loud music can harm your hearing" d. listening to loud music is fun

D

300

What is the purpose of transition words or phrases?

Connects the current idea to the next paragraph and/or sentence, ensuring smooth flow

400

What is a sentence that is made up of a dependent and independent clause?

Complex Sentence

400

What are the middle paragraphs (between the introduction paragraph and conclusion) called?

Body Paragraphs

400

Write the beginning of thesis statement for the following prompt:  Write an essay to explain how individuals can contribute to reducing climate change.

Individuals can contribute to reducing climate change by ___________ and ____________.

400

When providing textual evidence, what is the crucial step after giving a quotation (what should you do in the sentence after?)

Write an elaboration. Explain your evidence

400

What is synthesizing? 

The ability to integrate different sources effectively into your writing. To match up evidence from different sources to formulate a body paragraph. 

500

What purpose does a body paragraph serve in relation to your claim/ thesis statement?

It explains your argument in detail with evidence

500

True or False: A topic sentence comes at the end of each paragraph?

False

500

Consider the paragraph below and answer the question that follows.

There is a huge difference between living in an apartment and living in a house, and the biggest factor that makes living in a house superior to an apartment is the ambiance. A house can offer more space that an apartment generally cannot at the same cost, with houses costing about $233 per square foot and apartments costing $274 per square foot, and this additional space can make a house feel more relaxed. There's also less chance of a house being cluttered, since the larger space can reduce the density of objects and furniture. Finally, houses tend to have more outdoor space, which allows you to grow plants and trees, which all contribute to a better environment at home.

What is the main claim being made in this paragraph?

Living in a house is better than living in an apartment.

500

What is a citation?

A brief reference showing where you got information from. Can include either the title or author of the textual evidence used. 

500

What is a counterclaim?

The opposing side of your argument.