Writing a Final, Writing a Final, Ultradetailed OutlineUltradetailed Outline

See Chapter 9 for more information

Step 1: Review ResearchStep 1: Review Research

Look at your preliminary outline – do you still like the order of the elements? If not, switch them around.

Organize all notes and quotes that pertain to each point. Label them.

Outlining BasicsOutlining Basics

Roman numeral I. is your introduction. Letter A is you attention getter. Letter B is pertinent background info on the novel. Letter C is your thesis.

Roman numerals II - ? are your body paragraphs

The final Roman numeral is your conclusion.

Levels of DetailLevels of Detail

Step 2: Finalize Topic SentencesStep 2: Finalize Topic Sentences

Think of each topic sentence as a mini thesis statement.

Needs to be an argument, not an example.

Consider the order that best develops your point of view.

Quotes should NEVER be in a topic sentence

Step 3: Work Section By SectionStep 3: Work Section By Section

Once all topic sentences are finalized, it’s time to focus on one Roman numeral at a time.

Letters A, B, etc. need to be support for that topic sentence (detail, explanation)

Numbers 1, 2, etc. below those letters need to be supporting evidences (quotes).

Letters a, b, etc. need to be your analysis of the quote.

How Many Quotes Should I Use?How Many Quotes Should I Use?

At the MINIMUM, at least ONE quote from your primary source and at least ONE quote from your secondary source.

Include internal citations with your quotes. (author #).

The right side of the citation guide lists the internal citation format for each source type.

Tips to RememberTips to Remember

You are using research to write your own argument. Be sure your outline isn’t just a list of points others make on your topic.

Support YOUR thoughts with the text and other research.

You are not just proving something exists in your novel, you are analyzing WHY it’s there and HOW it is developed.

Therefore, consider literary Therefore, consider literary elementselements

Discuss the organization◦How does the author approach the topic at

hand?◦Introduction◦Body◦Conclusion◦Flow from one section to the next◦Transitions

Author’s purpose◦Overall point and perspective (thesis)◦Tone (attitude towards his/her audience and/or

content)◦Voice (author’s writing style, the way they

sound in their writing)◦Examples used by author to support his/her

purpose

Literary elements◦Point of view◦Figurative language/description/imagery◦Similes/metaphors◦Use of narration◦Irony◦Sentence structure (simple versus complex)◦Vocabulary/word choice◦Style: use of satire, exaggeration, repetition, humor,

etc.◦Title◦Characterization◦Setting◦Symbols◦Comparing and contrasting:

similes/metaphors/analogies◦Foreshadowing/flashback◦Plot elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling

action, resolution◦Argumentation style (approach and reasoning)

More tipsMore tipsFor each section, ask yourself:

◦What is the main idea of this section?◦What are the examples?◦What are the subcategories?◦If I am including my opinions, what are my thoughts

based on the material in this section?◦What is the most effective way to order this

material?Will this be long? Yes. Many pages. One body

paragraph will likely be half a page or more in outline form.

The better you do on this, the easier it will be to write your rough draft.

Let’s PracticeLet’s PracticeThesis: Huck's loss of innocence is a result

of him learning the truth about society through his experiences and determining on his own that an individual's sense of right and wrong may differ from what society says is right and wrong.