What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?

A thesis statement is one or two sentences, usually in the introduction, that presents the central claim or main argument of an essay or research paper. A topic sentence appears at the start of a body paragraph and states the main idea of a paragraph that is developing one aspect of the thesis.

An example of a thesis statement is, “Nonprofits in the Global South provide essential short-term aid, but their reliance on foreign funding can foster dependency that undermines long-term development.”

An example of a topic statement in an essay with that thesis statement could be, “Foreign funding can create expectations of continued outside support.”

QuillBot’s free thesis statement generator can help you formulate an effective thesis statement for your essay or research paper.

Continue reading: What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?

What is a research essay outline?

A research essay outline is a structured list of the paragraph topics and supporting details for a research paper. Beneath each body paragraph topic, include a list of the evidence from outside sources along with citations that show where you found each piece of evidence, like this example with fictitious sources:

  • Introduction
  • Impact of renewable energy on local economies
    • Report by Smith (2022) on wind farms and job growth in Kansas
    • Statistics on solar energy job growth in Nebraska (Coen, 2023)

The outline would continue with additional evidence and body paragraph topics.

When you’re working on an outline for a research paper, QuillBot’s AI Search can help you find outside sources.

Continue reading: What is a research essay outline?

What is an expository essay outline?

An expository essay outline is an organized list of paragraph topics and details for any type of expository essay (e.g., cause/effect essay or process analysis essay). The following example shows how to start a cause/effect outline.

  • Introduction
  • First cause or effect
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail
    • Supporting detail (repeat as needed)
  • Conclusion

When you’re working on an expository essay outline, QuillBot’s AI Chat can give you pointers or feedback. Simply copy/paste your assignment instructions and outline into the prompt, and ask for the type of help you need.

Continue reading: What is an expository essay outline?

What is a synthesis essay outline?

A synthesis essay outline is a structured list of the paragraphs and details that a synthesis essay will include. A synthesis outline includes a list of evidence from two or more sources beneath each body paragraph topic. Synthesis outlines also tend to include citations, like this example:

  • Introduction
  • Building a new park will positively impact property values.
    • Case study by Hayes (2023) about parks and Springfield property values
    • Report by Shafer (2024) comparing property values in neighborhoods with and without a nearby park

The outline would continue with additional evidence and body paragraph topics.

When you’re making a synthesis essay outline, QuillBot’s AI Search can help you find outside sources.

Continue reading: What is a synthesis essay outline?

What should be included in an essay checklist?

An essay checklist helps ensure your writing is clear, complete, and polished before submission. Key items to include:

  • Understanding the prompt: Make sure your essay fully addresses the question or topic
  • Thesis statement: Clear, specific, and arguable
  • Structure and organization: Introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a strong conclusion
  • Clarity and flow: Smooth transitions and logical progression of ideas
  • Citations and references: Proper formatting and attribution
  • Running your essay through an online plagiarism detector
  • Final review: Read aloud or have someone else proofread

Streamline your essay prep with QuillBot’s check list maker to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Continue reading: What should be included in an essay checklist?

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final stage of the text editing process. It focuses on identifying and correcting mechanical errors, such as spelling, punctuation, and formatting issues, as well as ensuring consistency with the relevant style guide.

Proofreading doesn’t typically involve rephrasing sentences, improving word choice, or checking factual accuracy.

Why not use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to help you proofread your text?

Continue reading: What is proofreading?

What does exam revision mean?

In UK English and some other varieties of English, exam revision means studying in order to prepare for an exam (e.g., “An exam revision timetable will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively”).

In a US context, the words “revision” and revise typically refer to reworking a draft of a piece of writing.

QuillBot’s free AI rewriter can help you rework your texts.

Continue reading: What does exam revision mean?

What are some compare and contrast essay topics?

Some compare and contrast essay topics include the following possibilities.

Literature:

  • Compare and contrast the ways in which two Romantic poets use nature imagery in their verse.
  • Compare and contrast the use of an unreliable narrator in at least two novels.

Geography:

  • Compare and contrast the impact of freeports on the economies of at least two developed nations.
  • Compare and contrast the impact of climate change policies on migration patterns in two regions of the world.

Sociology:

  • Compare and contrast the impact on reoffending rates of two or more non-custodial interventions in the criminal justice system.
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of universal socialized healthcare and hybrid healthcare models.

Use QuillBot’s free AI Chat to come up with even more compare and contrast essay topics.

Continue reading: What are some compare and contrast essay topics?