ENG 124 Essay – Outline

Introduction: Think of the introduction as an inverted triangle, starting out broad, and whittling down to a specific point. For this project, your introduction should ideally identify the research already done on this topic and how you will use the element of context to demonstrate the importance of your analysis.

* Introduce the topic * Make a general statement about the overall topic you will discuss. Create a “hook” or an attention getter, which briefly explains the broad aspects of the topic. Remember, the hook often does not discuss the texts you are analyzing specifically, but addresses the topic of the texts more generally. Below is a list of different types of attention getters: * Ask a question * A quotation from a different text * An interesting or shocking fact or statistic * A pertinent example * A personal anecdote * Vivid description * Definition (considered very cliché, and possibly “boring”) * Introduce the text/texts and modes of interpretation * Introduce titles and author names * Briefly provide a one sentence summary of the text/texts * Briefly explain the concept, method, theory of interpretation you will use * Provide a clear argument * Define your paper so as to demonstrate the specific interpretation you intend to articulate (Use “metadiscourse” such as “Through the lens of queer theory, I will contend that the short story…” “In this paper I intend to show how poetic devices illustrate X about the poem.”)

Body: During this portion of your paper, you must present your central analysis. All paragraphs should be highly structured. Summarize information for an unfamiliar reader, but emphasize analysis.

The following example can be used as a model for each body paragraph:

* Make sure to transition from the previous paragraph, articulate one of your own claims, which will indicate one reason why/how your argument is true * Explain how the text/texts exemplify your claim * Use more than one example (specific plot events, dialogue, narration, imagery, poetic devices, etc.) from the text(s) * Create a “quotation sandwich”: * Explain why the quote/evidence is important, relevant, or useful * Insert the quote/evidence * Comment on how the quote/evidence is related to your claim * Reinterpret the evidence in terms of your overall argument. How does this evidence work to support your argument?

Read it over and make sure that each sentence leads nicely to the next, then continue on to the next body paragraph following the above steps. Make sure to prove each of your claims by utilizing your text/texts. Work toward a claim-by-claim analysis in which you provide ample examples of evidence and textual support. Your goal will be to articulate how the text exemplifies a specific literary concept, method, or theory.

Conclusion: If your introduction is an inverted triangle, your conclusion is a triangle—you start at the end of the specific evidence and then branch out to the larger implications of your analysis. * Make sure to transition from previous paragraph; articulate your topic sentence by commenting on the overall significance of your analysis * Speculate how your argument might contribute to culture or society * Speculate how the text/texts in general might contribute to culture or society