OUTLINE AND PAPER

L. Goldberg

Grid for Writing Papers

All papers are based on the literature in the course and will examine the themes. Therefore, a key focal point will be utilizing the literature to develop, to argue, and to support a point of view. Since you will be responsible for several components to incorporate in your writing assignments, outlines should be utilized to plan and to organize effectively your writing assignments. This grid provides an outline and paper format.

Paper #1 Grid

I. Introduction paragraph must include a thesis statement that clearly states the central idea of the paper. This thesis statement must fulfill the following criteria:

A. This statement will be the broadest statement in the paper.

B. This statement will clearly indicate an argument.

C. This statement will provide a point of view.

D. This statement will set clear parameters for what is to be included in the paper.

E. This statement should provide a roadmap to the organization of the paper; for example: “This paper will demonstrate the significance of two minor characters (fill in their names) and prove their roles impact the main character’s (insert name) actions and decisions.” Answer questions: how and why? Compare and contrast these two characters to each other and to the main character. Reveal consequences.

II. The introductory paragraph should include a background explanation to the topic by identifying the literary work or works under examination through the use of

A. Its title in the proper format for the genre (italics or quotation marks)

B. The full name of the author.

C. The date of work.

D. The significance of the literary work and the subject under investigation (thesis).

1. Organization frameworks may follow:

a. Chronological in time

b. Order in terms of sequence of events/incidents in the literature

c. Inductive reasoning: General to specific (least compelling argument builds to the most compelling argument).

d. Deductive reasoning: Specific to general (examples that build to a natural conclusion of the central idea/argument of the paragraph).

e. Using the literature as a guide to sequence in the paper.

f. Relying on breaking down components of the literature such as focusing on plot or character or setting or theme to show how the literary work evolves and changes and concludes (for that component). Ex. How does the setting impact the character? How does the setting contribute to the theme?

2. Use transitions to move effortlessly from one idea to the next, to build and to connect one idea to the next, and to seamlessly move from one paragraph to the next. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one to move the paper forward.

III. Each paragraph in the paper must include a clear topic sentence that states the central idea in that paragraph. Think in terms of the following breakdown:

A. The rubric consists of the following

1. Concept (central idea in the paragraph)

2. Explanation

3. Example

B. The order of the rubric (C-E-E) may be changed by starting with an example, explaining it, and tying it into the overriding concept (think in terms of a mini – thesis) in the paragraph, but all three elements should be included in a paragraph to make a complete and organized whole.

IV. Each paragraph should present cogent reasons and explanations of the paragraph topic.

V. Each paragraph should utilize the literature to illustrate and develop the key point by serving as evidence supporting the central idea including:

A. Quotations (cited);

B. Paraphrased ideas (cited without quotation marks);

C. Specific events or incidents drawn from the literature (cited);

D. Your own explanations of A through C (NOT cited).

VI. Each paragraph must argue the central idea by addressing analytical questions:

A. Why?

B. How?

VII. Think of terms of the reporter hack of the five Ws and one H to make sure your paper has covered them in the best order that serves your paper:

1. Who?

2. What?

3. When?

4. Where?

5. Why?

6. How?