Multi-paragraph essay

a piece of writing that gives your thoughts about a subject

The first paragraph in an essay. It includes the thesis, most often at the end.

The middle paragraph in an essay. It develops a point you want to make that supports your thesis.

The last paragraph in your essay. It may sum up your ideas, reflect on what you said in your essay, say more commentary about your subject, or give a personal statement about the subject. Your __________ is all commentary and does not include concrete detail. It does not repeat key words from your paper and especially not from your thesis and introductory paragraph. It gives a finished feeling to your whole essay.

A sentence with a subject and opinion ( also called commentary). This comes somewhere in your introductory paragraph and most often at the end.

The ratio of one part concrete detail (CD) to two + parts commentary (CM)

Specific details that form the backbone or core of your body paragraphs. Synonyms for concrete detail include facts, specifics, examples, descriptions, illustrations, support, proof, evidence, quotations, paraphrasing, or plot references.

Your opinion or comment about something; not concrete detail. Synonyms for ______ include opinion, insight, analysis, interpretation, inference, personal response, feelings, evaluation, explication, and reflection

The first sentence in a body paragraph. This must have a subject and opinion (commentary) for the paragraph. It does the same thing for a body paragraph that the thesis does for the whole essay.

The last sentence in a body paragraph. It is all commentary, does not repeat key words, and gives a finished feeling to the paragraph.

The process of getting your concrete details down on paper before you organize your essay into paragraphs. You can use any or all of the following: bubble clusters, spider diagrams, outlines, line clustering, or columns.

The step that is done after prewriting and before the first draft of an essay; it is an outline of your thesis, topic sentences, concrete details, and commentary ideas.

The first version of your essay (also called rough draft).

Final version of essay

Written responses and reactions to a partner's paper.

blending concrete details and commentary in a body paragraph. You can do this after you master the format.

Minimum length per paragraph to get a C