Analysis Outline Template

Complete your sentence outline. Your outline should have Roman numerals and letters just like the student
sample in the lesson and exactly like the template below.

Requirements:

1. Write your outline using complete sentences.

2. Roman numeral I is your thesis statement in response to the writing prompt.
3. Outline at least two body paragraphs (so you will have Roman numerals II and III) and the specified
number of examples and explanations as a minimum. If you would like to outline additional paragraphs or
examples and explanations, just add Roman numerals to your template.
4. You need to include at least two direct quotations in your examples. Quotations need to be introduced
and explained in your sentence outline.

A. At least one quotation is introduced using a colon correctly.

B. At least one quotation is introduced using a signaling phrase correctly. 
5. You need to include at least one paraphrased example in your sentence outline. Be sure to label your
paraphrased example.
6. Remember to use the stop light approach (green = topic sentence, yellow = example, and red =
explanation) to develop your paragraphs.
Writing Prompt:

What makes King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" powerful and effective? After reading King's letter, answer
the question by analyzing how he uses structure and language purposefully in his text. Provide specific
examples from the text to support your analysis.

I. Thesis: Dr. King employs powerful imagery and personification to express his disdain for the ongoing
bigotry directed at the African-American population in the United States.

II. Topic Sentence: Martin Luther King uses structure in “Letters From Birmingham Jail” which makes
his message powerful and effective.

A. Example, quote, detail, or fact from the text: “Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly
segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of police brutality is known in every section of this
country. Its unjust treatment of Negroes in the courts is a notorious (well-known) reality.”
 B. Explanation: Despite the fact that Birmingham is the most segregated city in the United States
and that police brutality is unjust, Dr. King wants people to believe that things would improve one day and that
they should never give up fighting for justice.

C. Example, quote, detail, or fact from the text:

D. Explanation:

III. Topic Sentence:

A. Example, quote, detail, or fact from the text:

B. Explanation:

C. Example, quote, detail, or fact from the text:

D. Explanation:

Be sure to look at the student example in the lesson to guide you as you write your outline.