How to Make an Awesome Outline
Your Guide to Creating a Useful Outline to Guide Your Rough Draft
Step One: Gather Your Resources
Put your hard work to good use! • Note Cards • Sources (Critical Analysis Articles & Novel) • Research Surveys • Text Marking Packet • Theme Map and Soundtrack Written Justifications
Step Two: Organize Your Information
• Lay out your note cards on a table or on the floor. • Decide: What’s the first point you want to make to support your thesis? The second? • Decide: What sub-points and evidence will you use to support your thesis? Where will these appear in your paper?
Step Two: Organize Your Information
When you’re finished, your note card layout should look something like this:
Main Point 1 Main Point 2 Main Point 3 AND SO ON… AND SO ON…
Sub-Point/ Evidence 1 of Main Point 1 Sub-Point/ Evidence 2 of Main Point 1 Sub-Point/ Evidence 3 of Main Point 1
Sub-Point/ Evidence 1 of Main Point 2 Sub-Point/ Evidence 2 of Main Point 2 Sub-Point/ Evidence 3 of Main Point 2
Sub-Point/ Evidence 1 of Main Point 3 Sub-Point/ Evidence 2 of Main Point 3 Sub-Point/ Evidence 3 of Main Point 3
What if I’m Missing the Point?
If you find yourself missing sub-points, or even main points, never fear!
Look to your previous work (Research Surveys, Text Marking Packet, Justifications) for new evidence!
Step Three: Start Outlining!
• Once your note cards are in the order in which they will appear in your paper, you may begin writing your actual outline. • Use your note cards as a guide, and fill in the outline format. Hint: To make the writing part of your
outline easier, label and number your note cards!
Outline Format: Channel Your Inner Neat-Freak!
The following format must be used when outlining your Literary Analysis Paper. . .
I. Schuemelfeder’s class is really awesome A. Students participate, even on rainy days 1. Class discussion a. The Catcher in The Rye b. Literary Analysis Paper 2. Asking Questions B. Students have fun 1. Snowball Fight 2. Holden Imitation Writing C. Students learn a lot of cool stuff 1. Themes in Literature 2. The Writing Process
Format for Outlining
I. Main Point 1 (supports Thesis Statement) A. Sub-Point One (supports Main Point 1) 1. Evidence (supports Sub-Point One) 2. Evidence (supports Sub-Point One) 3. Evidence (supports Sub-Point One) B. Sub-Point Two (supports Main Point 1) 1. Evidence (supports Sub-Point Two) 2. Evidence (supports Sub-Point Two) 3. Evidence (supports Sub-Point Two) C. Sub-Point Three (supports Main Point 1) 1. Evidence (supports Sub-Point Three) 2. Evidence (supports Sub-Point Three)
Tips for Outlining (Okay, They’re More Like Rules...)
• Make sure that you have at least three main points (as this is a 4-7 page paper, you will probably need more). • Be certain that each main point supports your thesis statement. • Each sub-point must support your main point, and each piece of evidence must support your sub-point.
More Tips (Rules)
• Your weakest point should be sandwiched between your strongest points.
• BE CONSISTENT!
– If you have more than one weak point, you need to revisit your sources. – Your outline format should look exactly the same throughout. This will improve organization and make it easier to write your rough draft.
Outlining is an essential step in the process of writing this Literary Analysis paper.
As always, the more work you put in now, the less work you will have to do later.
Extra Help
Make an appointment to conference with me (at least a day in advance), during a free period. Drop in to the Writing Lab (Room 202) to have an English teacher look over your outline.