outline worksheet

Introduction

Lead-in/Hook (begin by introducing your overall essay concept in an intriguing or creative way):

Background/Context/Summary

Thesis Statement:

Body Paragraph #1

Topic Sentence:

Paraphrase/Example/Quote:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Quote/Paraphrase/Example:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Closing:

Body Paragraph #2

Topic Sentence:

Paraphrase/Example/Quote:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Quote/Paraphrase/Example:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Closing:

Body Paragraph #3

Topic Sentence:

Paraphrase/Example/Quote:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Quote/Paraphrase/Example:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Closing:

Body Paragraph #4

Topic Sentence:

Paraphrase/Example/Quote:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Quote/Paraphrase/Example:

Explanation/Analysis and Connection to Point:

Closing:

Ideas for the Conclusion:

Try tying back to your essay lead-in or hook in the introduction:

NOTES:

Prompt for Essay 1: Evaluating Arguments (in 1500 words)

Introduction

Essay 1: Evaluating Arguments (in 1500 words) asks you to apply your critical analysis skills using the concepts presented in this Unit (premises, conclusions, inferences, logical fallacies). The goals of this essay are to identify logical fallacies and implicit and explicit arguments and to evaluate their reasoning.

Note: the outline template offers a generic format for body paragraphs, asking for two pieces of evidence or quotes for each. But the reality is that all body paragraphs are not the same. Use your best judgement when considering how many quotes or pieces of support to use for your paragraph. Often two is a good number, but depending on the support you use, one could be sufficient or you may find that you need three. Remember, this is your paper and your ideas; whatever you need to illustrate your ideas fully and accurately is the point.

Type an outline of your paper.  Your outline should, at minimum, include your “working” thesis statement and four body paragraph topics with support and ideas listed under each. You can type directly into the provided “outline template” (see above and/or go to the previous page) or you can create your own. Complete outlines are typically two pages in length.

When you submit your outline, you can add a note in the comment box if you want the reviewer to focus comments on particular questions or aspects of your paper. For example, you may point out a quote or piece of evidence in a particular paragraph that you are not sure about, or you may state that you need an idea for another paragraph. 

Essay Prompt

Evaluate how logical fallacies function in the exchanges between the characters and in the images of the “Defund the Police” cartoon strips. In your evaluation, discuss both the sound and faulty arguments presented and, in place of faulty reasoning, provide your own solutions to the issue of policing in the United States.

Questions that Elicit Critical Thinking Focused on the Goals of this Essay:

1. What are the explicit and implicit arguments being presented?

2. What are their explicit and implicit premises and conclusions?

3. What are the underlying assumptions and reasoning in each argument?

4. What possible logical fallacies best describe this reasoning? 

5. What contexts (social, political, cultural) gave rise to this reasoning? 

Your paper must include:

· an opening that gets the reader interested, provides background or summary information, and a thesis statement that reflects the focus and scope of your paper.

· A minimum of four well-organized and developed body paragraphs that provide clear topic sentences, accurate context, credible support from source material, and thoughtful analysis.

· integration of quotes and/or paraphrases from source material

· a conclusion that sums up your analysis and offers the reader something to interesting to reflect on.

· a Works Cited page

Your paper must be:

· in MLA format.

· free of any major grammatical and topographical errors.

· A current example of completely your own work for this class and assignment (no plagiarism, no re-used or re-hashed papers)

· Around 1500 words

Academic Honesty

Citing sources in academic work is a skill that may take time to master. As you’re using sources, you may have many questions about when you should cite your source, and how that source should be cited. I’ll work hard to help you learn how to cite your sources, and in return, I ask that you work hard to note your sources–we’ll work on the format together. Please be sure to always note where your ideas came from.