ESSAY OUTLINE

ESSAY TITLE: _________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION:

Opening Line: Engage readers with a general statement about your essay’s topic.
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Include the full name of the author and text: ___________________________________

Thesis Statement (Your central argument or interpretation):

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Method Statement: Elaborate on your thesis so readers have a clear understanding of

your essay’s main points; your method statement should be similar to the topic sentences
of your body paragraphs.
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BODY PARAGRAPH 1: First Point

Topic Sentence: Your first sentence must identify the main idea of the paragraph; this
idea should be in direct support of the essay’s thesis.
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Quotes from the text to support the topic sentence:

Quote 1: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 1: ______________________________________________________

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Quote 2: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 2: ______________________________________________________
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Quote 3: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 3: ______________________________________________________

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Additional Supporting Evidence: Take note of other examples or details from the text
that you want to include in your body paragraph.

a. _______________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________

Quotes and textual evidence must be properly integrated into your writing; make sure
each quote has a strong lead and is punctuated correctly.

Transition/Wrap-Up Sentence: ______________________________________________

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BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Second Point

Topic Sentence: Your first sentence must identify the main idea of the paragraph; this
idea should be in direct support of the essay’s thesis.
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Quotes from the text to support the topic sentence:

Quote 1: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 1: ______________________________________________________

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Quote 2: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 2: ______________________________________________________

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Quote 3: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 3: ______________________________________________________

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Additional Supporting Evidence: Take note of other examples or details from the text
that you want to include in your body paragraph.

a. _______________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________

Quotes and textual evidence must be properly integrated into your writing; make sure
each quote has a strong lead and is punctuated correctly.

Transition/Wrap-Up Sentence: ______________________________________________

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BODY PARAGRAPH 3: Third Point

Topic Sentence: Your first sentence must identify the main idea of the paragraph; this
idea should be in direct support of the essay’s thesis.
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Quotes from the text to support the topic sentence:

Quote 1: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 1: ______________________________________________________

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Quote 2: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 2: ______________________________________________________

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Quote 3: ________________________________________________________________
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Analysis of Quote 3: ______________________________________________________

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Additional Supporting Evidence: Take note of other examples or details from the text
that you want to include in your body paragraph.

a. _______________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________

Quotes and textual evidence must be properly integrated into your writing; make sure
each quote has a strong lead and is punctuated correctly.

Transition/Wrap-Up Sentence: ______________________________________________

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CONCLUSION:

 Do not use a mechanical opening, such as “In conclusion” or “Finally.”

 Reaffirm the essay’s thesis, but in different and more emphatic words.
 Highlight your strongest arguments; make sure readers understand how your
arguments support your thesis.
 Make a thoughtful closing statement based on your analysis of the text (no
unanswerable questions, no sweeping generalizations, no wild predictions, no
completely new ideas, no preaching or giving advice).

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