Follow the steps below to create your next outline. One fact will always remain true: the more specific you are in the planning stage, the better your final product will be in the end. If you have questions, please email me prior to the due date.

Please write a full sentence outline to make it easier to construct your essay.

When you add quotations, write them in MLA format with the accompanying citation.

TITLE OF YOUR ESSAY

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Write a lead (hook) that will captivate your audience. (Check out this TYPES OF LEADS handout for assistance)

B. Write down background information on your topic.

1. What’s the time period, setting? Is that important for the audience to know?

2. Who are the major characters?

3. What does your reader need to know about those characters prior to reading your thesis?

C. Write down any pertinent information the audience should know prior to delving into your essay.

D. Conclude this first numeral with your thesis statement.

II. FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH Subtopic Sentence  (first argument if writing an argumentative essay)

A. First piece of evidence that supports this topic.

1. Detail #1

a. More detail

(1) Even more detail

(a) Even more detail about the above

(2) More detail

b. More detail

2. Detail #2

a. More detail (Counterargument?)

b. More detail (Refutation?)

B. Second piece of evidence that supports this topic.

III. SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH Subtopic Sentence  (second argument if writing an argumentative essay)

A. First piece of evidence that supports this topic.

B. Second piece of evidence that supports this topic.

C. Third piece of evidence that supports this topic.

1. Detail #1

2. Detail #2

IV. THIRD BODY PARAGRAPH Subtopic Sentence  (third argument if writing an argumentative essay)

V. FOURTH BODY PARAGRAPH Subtopic Sentence  (fourth argument if writing an argumentative essay)

*FOLLOW THE SAME FORMAT IF YOU HAVE MORE BODY PARAGRAPHS.

VI. CONCLUSION

A. Begin with a starter to connect ideas in your essay (i.e.- mirroring your introduction, a quotation, etc.)

B. Restate your thesis statement or main claim.

C. Present 1 or 2 general statements which accurately summarize your body paragraphs.

D. Set topic or argument in a larger context (how others are affected, cultural events, etc.)

OR

Provide a general statement of how the community will benefit from following/ accepting your claim.

E. Establish a sense of closure.