Parts of an Essay
This part of an essay states the author’s claim or controlling idea.
Thesis statement/Big Ideas
The theme is best described as the ___ of a story
message or lesson
The main idea tells what the text is mostly about. True or False?
True
After weeks without rain, the soil became dry and cracked. As a result, many crops failed to grow, and farmers lost a large portion of their harvest.
This paragraph is organized using a cause-and-effect structure. What is the cause, and what is the effect?
he cause is weeks without rain, and the effect is that crops failed and farmers lost much of their harvest?
“The wind whispered through the trees.” What figurative language is used here?
Personification
This essay part restates the thesis and wraps up the ideas.
Conclusion
Jordan practiced the piano every day, even when his fingers were sore and his friends were outside playing. At first, his progress was slow, and he felt frustrated. Over time, his hard work paid off, and he was able to perform confidently at the school concert. Jordan realized that staying committed helped him reach his goal.
Perseverance and hard work lead to success.
This paragraph explains that bees collect nectar, help plants grow through pollination, and make honey that people eat.
Bees are important because they help plants grow and produce food?
This structure shows similarities and differences
Compare and contrast
“I am so hungry I could eat a horse.” What figurative language is used here?
Hyperbole
Explain the purpose of the introduction in an essay. BE SPECIFIC
To introduce the topic, hook the reader, and present the thesis
How is theme different from topic?
Topic is what the text is about; theme is the message or lesson
Dogs have been trained to assist people in many ways. Some help individuals who are blind by guiding them safely, while others detect medical emergencies such as low blood sugar. These animals improve the independence and safety of their owners.
Service dogs help people by providing support and assistance?
Tom’s new puppy loves to play fetch. Every morning, he chases the ball, runs around the yard, and chews on his toys. In the afternoon, he naps in the sun. At night, he cuddles with Tom on the couch.
Sequence / Chronological order, because the paragraph describes events in the order they happen during the day.
“The classroom was a zoo during lunch.” Identify the figurative language and explain why it is used.
Metaphor; compares the classroom to a zoo to show it is noisy or chaotic
Why is it important to include evidence in the body paragraphs of an essay?
It supports claims and strengthens the argument
Identify the theme of a story where a character sacrifices to help others succeed.
Selflessness / Helping others leads to success
The school cafeteria added healthier food options, including fresh fruit and whole grains. Since the change, students have had more energy during afternoon classes and fewer trips to the nurse. Teachers have also noticed improved focus.
Healthier school lunches have a positive effect on students’ health and learning?
How does knowing the text structure help a reader understand information?
It helps organize ideas and predict what comes next
“She was as brave as a lion.” What figurative language is this, and what is it comparing?
Simile; comparing her bravery to a lion
Analyze how each part of an essay works together to support the author’s argument
Each section builds and reinforces the claim from introduction to conclusion
A story shows a character who fails at an important goal, reflects on the mistake, and uses what was learned to succeed later. How would the theme change if the character never reflected on the failure?
The theme would change from learning and growth through failure to the idea that failure has no purpose or impact?
Many cities are expanding public transportation systems to reduce traffic congestion. These changes also lower pollution levels and make commuting more affordable for residents. Although the projects are expensive, city leaders believe the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.
How would the main idea change if the paragraph focused only on the high costs and ignored the benefits?
The main idea would shift from public transportation being a beneficial long-term investment to it being an expensive burden for cities?
Evaluate how changing the text structure would affect the message of a text
It could make the message confusing or less effective
“Time is a thief that steals our moments.” How does this figurative language help the reader understand the passage’s meaning?
Metaphor; shows that time passes quickly and takes things away, making the idea more vivid