Ms. Stinson 9th Grade Literature How to Outline an Essay Ms. Stinson 9th Grade Literature

Step 1: The Prompt Decide on a topic

Step 2: Outline your thesis Decide what it is that you are going to prove about this topic List several moments or main issues that this that you will address to prove your point. Now, how does this relate to the work as a whole? This is where your thesis will define itself and emerge. State your ARGUMENT as a fact. This is your thesis. “Truffaut’s recreation of Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is (not) well done because he does (not) accurately portray the characters, themes, and symbols.”

Step 3: outlining the rest After deciding on your thesis, you are going to need to figure out how to break up your ideas. Make a map like this: Paragraph 1: Introduction/Thesis Paragraph 2: Main Idea 1 Paragraph 3: Main Idea 2 Paragraph 4: Main Idea 3 Paragraph 5: Conclusion *5 paragraph essays are discouraged in class, but will be necessary on standardized writing tests.

OUTLINE FORMAT I. Introduction- thesis statement is written out II. Body- list the main idea for each paragraph A. Main Idea 1 a. Supporting Detail 1 b. Supporting Detail 2 B. MI 2 a. SD 1 b. SD 2 C. MI 3 III. Conclusion- write the concluding paragraph (we will not be doing this today)

Rules for outlines Use parallel structure: each point should start using the same part of speech (verbs and nouns are easiest) There is a format where you write out your sentence. We are NOT using that one. Everything should be double spaced.

NOW, TO ACTUALLY WRITE THE PAPER...

Step 4: Who is your audience? Decide who your audience is before writing your introduction or any body paragraphs. Is it your teacher? Is it the author of the novel? Since it is usually your teacher, make sure to NOT summarize the story, seeing as I have already read it. This is just space-filler and I will know if you are just doing it to fill space.

Step 5: Topic Sentences/transitions It is very important that you have a topic sentence for each body paragraph. These sentences should flow from one paragraph to another. Connect them through transition words (however, therefore, also, because, in addition to, etc.) Make sure your topic sentences are not rambling. They should be quick and to the point.

Step 6: building up your argument As you go through each paragraph, make sure to back your argument up through specific moments, events, quotes (may not always be available for in-class essay), and references to the outside world or perhaps even other novels you have read. Make sure each point has DIFFERENT evidence. Do not repeat yourself.

Step 7: the conclusion The conclusion is often the most difficult part of the essay. Although you are re-stating your thesis, you do not want to simply re-write it in the same words. How else can you explain your argument? A good thing to do is to connect your argument to the counterargument. For example, if you argued that jelly is better than peanut butter for an entire essay, a good way to conclude could be to say something like “for those who still do not agree that jelly is better than peanut butter, perhaps we can all agree on chocolate.”

Conclusion continued The conclusion should leave your reader thinking. Challenge him or her. Leave them with a question. Leave them with a connection to the outside world (events, people, etc.). Make sure that your conclusion DOES refer back to the introduction.

Step 8: reviewing the introduction At the end of your paper, refer back to your introduction. Does your thesis ramble? Is it clear? Did you argue against it? Did you change your mind? Add a title to your essay LAST. Make it creative. Do not simply call it “My Paper on...” Give it some FLARE! Think about newspaper or magazine headlines. Those are quick, illustrative, and attention grabbing. That is how a title should be!

Step 9: re-read Finally, read over your work. Check for spelling. Make sure your work is clearly written! Make sure YOUR NAME IS ON IT! Turn it in and just walk away. It is over…

UNLESS…

IT’S A PROCESS WRITING Make sure that you have used MLA formatting. 12 point font Times New Roman 1 inch margins with no additional spacing MLA header- running title, last name, page numbers Make sure that you have properly cited EVERYTHING! Give yourself some time to step away from the paper before editing it. Have at least two others edit it before turning it in.

WHEW… Now you may turn it in.