Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Preparing an Essay. Because writing is cool. Outline. The purpose of an outline is to organize your thoughts. You should tailor make your outline to the type of essay your are preparing. Just remember these simple rules: Roman numerals indicate topics Letters indicate examples - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Citation preview
Preparing an Essay
Because writing is cool.
OutlineO The purpose of an outline is to
organize your thoughts.O You should tailor make your outline to
the type of essay your are preparing.O Just remember these simple rules:
O Roman numerals indicate topicsO Letters indicate examplesO Numbers indicate further info about
examples
Sample Outline – Working thesis: In “The Most Dangerous Game” the mood of suspense is shown through the tropical
night, Zaroff’s chateau, and the fight in the bedroom.
II. Suspense shown through Zaroff’s chateau A. Darkness surrounding house
1. archetype of darkness pointing to death and evil
2. resembles Dracula’s castle B. House is like a fortress
1. prison references like spiked iron gate2. fortified with cliffs, personified sea
Bubbles work, too!Topi
c one
• Example one
• Example two
Topic
two
• Example one
• Example two
Topic
three
• Example one
• Example two
working thesis
Or how ‘bout this?
Working thesis
Topic one
Example one
Example two
Topic two
One extended example
AssignmentO Create an outline using a format that
makes sense to you. This does not have to be typed.
O Provide your topics and specific examples you intend to use.
O This outline is organic: it may change as you begin to write the paper.
O This is an initial exercise to organize your thoughts.
Funnel IntroductionO Purpose
O Attract audience to writingO Clarify main idea of your essayO Present author and work discussedO Clarify presentation of ideas
O The introduction consists of four “funneled” parts: generalization, introduction to author and work, background information, and thesis statement.
GeneralizationO Address subject of prompt and main
idea (main idea is generated from prompt)
O Mention concepts you intend to explore in your essay in general – not vague – terms (i.e. Are you exploring price and its devastating effects? Are you addressing how one event can change a person’s perspective?
ContinuedO Do not reference the entirety of
history (i.e. Throughout history . . .)O Do not reference literature, authors,
or literary devices in general terms (i.e. Authors use symbolism to . . . In literature the main character . . . )
O Usually 2-4 sentences
Introduction to A and W
O Directly connect to generalizationO Present characters, events, or
necessary settingO Don’t simply repeat information from
generalization – add to it.O Remember the funnel – general to
specific.O 1 sentence
Background Information
O Needed information from work (s) to smoothly move into thesis
O This is not a space for unnecessary character traits or plot summary
O This is not the space for specific examples from the work (s).
O Usually 1-2 sentences
Thesis StatementO Must contain the main idea of your
essayO This should be a specified main idea
from what you discussed in your introduction.
O If discussing theme, the theme should remain universal and not work specific.
O Must establish your “plan of attack” – what are the topics you will prove your main idea with?
Inverse Funnel Conclusion
O PurposeO Remind audience of what you set out
to proveO Give insight on the topic referencing
points made throughout essay.O Leave audience with something to
think about without literally asking a question.
O The conclusion consists of three parts: loose rewording of thesis without topics, review and insight, final comment on topic.
