Sample Outline for a Critical Lens Essay
Task: Write a meaningful essay that agrees or disagrees with the theme behind the lens using two literary works including a discussion of the authors’ use of elements and techniques.
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Avoid repetitiveness; use different key words, phrases, sentences to convey similar ideas
Underline titles of works and literary terms
Check for punctuation & spelling
PARAGRAPHS
INTRODUCTION ¶
Introductory or Background Sentence –the “Hook”
introduces topic in context / framework
Address & cite quote(s)
Draws the reader’s interest to your essay
(The quote by [quoter] means…)
Thesis Statement / Topic Sentence
specifies which topic you are addressing
asserts your purpose/ position on an issue
define or interpret quote in your own words
assert your position: agreement OR disagreement
Proof of Evidence Sentence
introduces the evidence(s) you will use in each Body Paragraph
introduces the 2 sources; one for each Body Paragraph
([quoter]’s statement is valid as supported by [characters] in [title] by [author] and [characters] in [title] by [author].)
Literary Analysis Sentence
ends introduction & introduces 1st example
(Both authors use [literary term] and [literary term] to convey this [theme or moral].)
1ST & 2nd BODY PARAGRAPHS ¶
Topic Sentence (i.e. [Author] characterizes [character] as one with traits, beliefs, and point of view of [viewpoint] in conflict with setting/ another character, to convey this theme.)
introduces your 1st example/ argument/ text/ case/ document
addresses your Thesis Statement fully
2-3 varied pieces of evidence/ reasoning/ support for 1st example –develop it with many details
Make sure each statement is fully supported complete explanations using facts from text
Each evidence should be fully developed –at least 3-5 sentences long each totaling 1 page
Include WHO ([character] is characterizes as…]
WHAT (in [what] conflict)
WHEN (during [what setting])
WHERE ([where]and [where] in the story plotline)
WHY ([why] because of point of view differs from opposing side’s POV)
HOW ([how] did [character] face & overcome [conflict])
Give at least 2 complete examples
Closing Sentence
final statement logically affirming how your evidences prove your Thesis Statement
or how supports your evidences prove your interpretation of the quote
([character] learns….[theme/moral]
Transition Sentence
connects previous & subsequent paragraphs
ends or closes the 1st example & introduces 2nd example
i.e. (On the other hand; in addition; this is also true to; not only… but…also; the same can be said of; the theme is also present or supported by; this point of view is also shared by; another who shares a common conflict is; the next example also supports; in contrast; similarly, etc..) (
(The theme/moral here is [theme/moral] and another character teaches us the same moral behind the quote.)
3RD BODY PARAGRAPH ¶ –often optional if not expected to have 3 examples
used for comparison & contrast of 1st & 2nd Examples
analyzes commonalities bet. both examples/ arguments/ texts/ cases/ documents
used to incorporate deeper analysis, a connected moral, lesson, theme.
CONCLUSION ¶
Common or Overall Sentence
connects topic to context / framework
addresses quote in context/ framework of your essay
(Both works fully validates {quoter’s quote that [meaning].)
Proof of Evidence Sentence
concludes how the evidence(s) you used in each Body Paragraph supports Thesis Statement
or how each work supports your interpretation of the quote
([examples] prove that…]
Final Sentence –the “Clincher”
mentions any Overarching Ideas
states any Assertions or Declarations
avows Lessons Learned
affirms final Association with World or Society at large
asserts Final Pleas for your purpose/ position
Most Significant Conclusions
(Society can be a better place [how] if we all follow their example.)
Reminders:
spell out titles, authors and characters’ names correctly –esp. in Introduction Paragraph
When introducing characters, use full names, then by first name thereafter
When addressing authors after introduction, refer by last name (you don’t know them!)
Refer to works by differentiating genres: novel, drama, dramatic play, film, movie, etc.
Refer to story position by story/plotline: exposition, rising action, turning point, climax, resolution
Topic Sentences: address ALL parts of thesis/ your interpretation of quote
Closing Sentences: sum up moral of example/ lesson learned transition to next example
Use literary terms AS you support your thesis throughout your body paragraphs
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