Term Example from Student Essays
topic
Explanation
The topic is a word or phrase that tells
what the essay is about
text structure
The text structure is the
organizational pattern of an essay.
focus
supporting
evidence
domain-specific
vocabulary
The focus is the controlling, or
overarching, idea that states the main
point the writer chooses to make.
The supporting evidence is relevant
quotations and concrete details that
support the focus.
Domain-specific vocabulary is
content-specific words that are not
generally used in conversation.
Text features are design elements
that help organize the text, such as
headings, boldface type, italic type,
bulleted or numbered lists, sidebars,
and graphic aids including charts,
tables, timelines, illustrations, and
photographs.
text features
No