OUTLINE TEMPLATE: USE THE TEMPLATE TO WRITE THE OUTLINE: 10%

INTRODUCTION
PREFACE: Add 1-3 lines that introduces the main theme and the thesis (e.g., a quote from the novel
that you explain or a phrase or 2-3 sentences that introduces a “hook” for the theme to introduce the thesis
____________________________________________________________________________________
THEMATIC CHOICES:
SOCIAL THEMES: Exploitation of social classes (lack of socio-economic equity and values/ethics)
PHILOSOPHICAL THEMES: Philosophical inner strength and freedom: virtue, ethics, moral code.
SPIRITUAL THEMES: Unselfish service and duty to others and society; (altruism & enlightenment)
In the text, “Alyosha the Pot” by Leo Tolstoy, the author refers to the theme of __________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
A THESIS has two parts: (1) a problem or cause or question and (2) a solution or effect or answer.
Use the thesis below to complete the detailed outline.
THESIS: [Problem/cause] Alyosha in Tolstoy’s “Alyosha the Pot” is a character who is lives a life
of servitude and who is valued by most people in his personal and social life for the economic value
that they derive from his service. [Solution/effect] Alyosha’s resignation to a life of selfless duty and
obedience prevents him from pursuing his personal happiness [OR Alyosha’s philosophical and/or
spiritual virtues of ______________ (Add specific virtues, e.g., selflessness, altruism, and humility)
allow him to attain a sense of inner peace and satisfaction in the knowledge that he has fulfilled his
duty and obedience even though he is deprived of pursuing personal happiness and physical freedom]
SUBTOPICS: The author explores (subtopics: three body paragraphs that support the thesis):
NB: Use the subtopics below to complete the detailed outline.
(1) First, during childhood, Alyosha reacts to personal, familial, social, and economic injustice by
… [Complete sentence: attribute a philosophical perspective; specify if is he “free” or a “victim”]
______________________________________________________________________________
(2) Second, during his teenage years, Alyosha demonstrates an obedient, diligent, and meek nature as
well as an uncomplaining attitude when he is sent to work for the merchant by … [Complete sentence]
__________________________________________________________________________________
(3) Third, during his adulthood, Alyosha shows resignation in accepting the denial of his desire to
marry the woman he loves and attain freedom to prioritize his sense of duty and obedience … thereby
deriving satisfaction from the knowledge that he has carried out his duty, even at the expense of his
personal happiness [OR thereby becoming a victim of social and economic exploitation and servitude]
LITERARY DEVICES: The author refers to metaphor, symbolism, imagery, and characterization.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Subtopic A: First, during childhood, Alyosha reacts to personal, familial, social, and economic injustice by
… [Complete sentence: attribute philosophical perspective – specify if is he “free” or a victim]
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):
Subtopic B:
Second, during his teenage years, Alyosha demonstrates an obedient, diligent, and meek nature as well
as an uncomplaining attitude when he is sent to work for the merchant by … [Complete sentence]
__________________________________________________________________________________

Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Subtopic C:
Third, during his adulthood, Alyosha shows resignation in accepting the denial of his personal desire
to be “free” and marry Ustinya in order to prioritize his sense of duty and obedience … thereby
deriving satisfaction from the knowledge that he has carried out his duty, even at the expense of his
personal happiness [OR thereby becoming a victim of social and economic exploitation and servitude ]
[Specify the outcome of the conflict] ____________________________________________________

Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

CONCLUSION

Sum up the thesis.

Sum up the subtopics.

Sum up the literary devices.

Offer a resolution: the author’s insight, lesson and/or outcome emerging from the theme and thesis.
OUTLINE TEMPLATE: USE THE TEMPLATE TO WRITE THE OUTLINE: 10%
INTRODUCTION
PREFACE: Add 1-3 lines that introduces the main theme and the thesis (e.g., a quote from the novel
that you explain or a phrase or 2-3 sentences that introduces a “hook” for the theme to introduce the thesis
______________________________________________________________________________________
THEMATIC CHOICES:
PHILOSOPHICAL THEMES: Finding joy within oneself, by standing “still” and living in the moment
SPIRITUAL THEMES: Spiritual concept of finding joy in moments of beauty and people we love.
In the text, “Door to Joy,” by Irma Zaleski, the author refers to the theme of _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
A THESIS has two parts: (1) a problem or cause or question and (2) a solution or effect or answer.
Use the thesis below to complete the detailed outline.
THESIS: [Problem/Cause]: Zaleski, in the text, “Door to Joy,” explores how the narrator wants to be
able to experience joy and ecstasy, in her life, thereby seeking the metaphorical “door” for it through
different philosophical and spiritual perspectives. Specifically, the narrator attempts to seek joy in by
admiring the beauty of nature, learning about various religions, spiritual concepts, and philosophical
ideologies. [Solution/Effect] In the end, her self-realization is that “the door to joy” is found in
experiencing moments of beauty in relationships with people whom she loves and who love her.

SUBTOPICS: The author explores (subtopics: three body paragraphs that support the thesis):
NB: Use the subtopics below to complete the detailed outline.
(1) First, Zaleski recounts her experiences during childhood, including her experiences with her
grandmother during the war, who first taught her about the “door to joy” [… Complete sentence]
__________________________________________________________________________________
(2) Second, Zaleski describes attempts during her teenage years at school as a young adult to recapture
the “door to joy” by studying different spiritual and philosophical ideologies… [Complete sentence]
_________________________________________________________________________________
(3) Third, Zaleski has a self-realization regarding how to discover the “door to joy” by learning how
to … [Add and complete what she realizes …] ____________________________________________
LITERARY DEVICES: The author refers to metaphor, symbolism, personification, and imagery.
BODY PARAGRAPHS

Subtopic A: First, Zaleski recounts her experiences during childhood, including her experiences with
her grandmother during the war, who first taught her about the “door to joy” [complete sentence]
__________________________________________________________________________________
Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):
Subtopic B:
Second, Zaleski describes attempts during her teenage years at school as a young adult to recapture the
“door to joy” by studying different spiritual and philosophical ideologies … [Complete sentence]
_________________________________________________________________________________

Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Subtopic C:
Third, Zaleski experiences a self-realization regarding how to discover the “door to joy” by realizing
… [Specify and clarify what she realizes …] ____________________________________________

Explanation (state how the subtopic supports the thesis, what you will prove and why: set up the quotes):

Example/Quote #1: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

Example/Quote # 2: (state quotes/examples in MLA/APA format)

Link (explain how the quote proves/supports the subtopic and link the quote to a literary device):

CONCLUSION

Sum up the thesis.

Sum up the subtopics.

Sum up the literary devices.

Offer a resolution: the author’s insight, lesson and/or outcome emerging from the theme and thesis.
EVALUATION GRID: OUTLINE DRAFT FOR MLA ESSAY

OUTLINE must be divided into three sections: (1) introduction, which comprises the preface, thesis statement, the
subtopics, and literary devices (2) the body, which comprises the subtopics and supporting details (references to text
and quotes); and finally, (3) the conclusion, summing up the thesis and subtopics as well as providing a resolution.

BREAKDOWN EVALUATION OUTLINE GRID:

COMPREHENSION
The student demonstrates an understanding of the text by completing the following:
(1) Clearly identifying the main theme(s) of the work(s) [Adequate] [Revise/Edit] [Rewrite]
(2) Clearly identifying the author’s point of view
(3) Clearly identifying an understanding of how the theme, thesis, subtopics are developed through literary elements
(4) Utilizes clear and specific supporting details (appropriately and in correct contexts)
(5) Employs relevant references (quotes and examples) from the reading
(6) Understanding of work(s) at a literal level (no errors about characters, plot, events, settings, etc.)
(7) Understanding of the use of literary devices: textual references and analysis
(8) Understanding of analysis (as opposed to plot summary, personal reaction, etc.)

8.5-10 7.5-8.5 6.5-7.5 6.5-6.0 5.5-4.5 4-0

ORGANIZATION
The student demonstrates coherent essay development and organization by a structured development of the
outline (introduction, body paragraphs with a focus and sufficient development (supporting of the thesis:
explanation of quotes, links to the thesis, subtopics, and a conclusion with a resolution):
(1) Stating and organizing a specific preface (a “hook” and/or phrases that introduces the theme)
(2) Stating a specific theme (that introduces the thesis)
(3) Stating a clear thesis statement about the text (question & answer OR problem & solution OR cause & effect)
(4) Each subtopic contains a topic sentence that clearly presents the central point (focus) of the paragraph.
(5) Each subtopic contains an explanation after the topic sentence (what will be proven, how, and why)
(6) Each subtopic has one central point, which is clearly and directly connected to the thesis statement of the essay.
(7) The central point in each subtopic is developed by providing supporting ideas in the form of quotes/examples
(8) Effective use of supporting ideas and details to develop and to support the thesis and for each subtopic
(9) Effective explanation and development of examples and quotes and links to each subtopic and the thesis
(10) Effective use of literary devices: link to quotes/examples, subtopics, and thesis
(11) The paragraph ends on a concluding sentence that revisits the central point and transition to the next paragraph.
(12) MLA format (first page MLA format, text format, in-text MLA citations, References (Works Cited) page
(13) Quotations and paraphrases are integrated correctly following MLA or APA guidelines and are preceded and/or
followed by an explanation of their meaning, relevance and importance. There are no traces of plagiarism.

8.5-10 7.5-8.5 6.5-7.5 6.5-6.0 5.5-4.5 4-0

EXPRESSION – WRITING SKILLS

The student demonstrates unity, coherence, and logic:
(1) Appropriate vocabulary, word choice, tone, and diction
(2) Correct and varied sentence structure and syntax (e.g., avoids fragments, run-ons, etc.)
(3) Generally correct grammar (e.g., consistent tense use, subject & verb agreement, parallel structure, etc.)
(4) Conventional spelling, punctuation, and use of college level written English
(5) Ideas are expressed using precise language in correct contexts
(6) Transitional words and expressions are used to signal the links between the supporting ideas and subtopics

8.5-10 7.5-8.5 6.5-7.5 6.5-6.0 5.5-4.5 4-0

Grade for Outline for MLA Essay:

0-40 40-50 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69

70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 90-94 95-100

GRADE FOR OUTLINE FOR MLA ESSAY: /100

FINAL GRADE: /10