Introduction
In this webquest, you will learn about basic essay structure
THE STRUCTURE OF AN ESSAY
A literary essay consists of four main parts:
Title
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
TITLE: Provide a succinct statement of the thesis.
INTRODUCTION: Contains a grabber and a thesis.
Task
In this WebQuest, you will learn to produce an outline for an essay based on the basic principals of academic essay writing in English.
To begin, copy the outline model below into a word file. You will need to submit a completed outline to your teacher at the end of class.
The basic outline is composed of five paragraphs as described below. Click on the terms to get more information.
Introduction: a) grabber b) thesis statement
Paragraph 1: a) topic sentence 1
Paragraph 2: a) topic sentence 2
Paragraph 3: a) topic sentence 3
Conclusion: a) thesis restatement b) opener
Process
Here are the step to writing an effective outline
An outline will make it easier to write your topic sentences and to arrange your paragraphs.
Begin your outline by stating the thesis of your paper.
- Despite the apparently objective or detached tone of the first stanza and the first two lines of the second stanza in Robert Herrick's "Upon Julia's Clothes", the poem finally conveys a strong sense of the speaker's excitement.
The second step is to write topic sentences for each of the essay's paragraphs.
- The language in the first stanza is scientific.
- The use of exclamatory interjections reveals an excitement in the poet.
- The title is about the clothes but it is really about the effect Julia has on the poet.
The topic sentences are directly connected to the thesis, and explain, prove, or develop on the thesis.
Once you have completed your outline, you can use it to write your paragraphs. The content of your paragraphs should be directly connected to proving your topic sentences.
Note: This example used in this outline model is based on a student essay published in "A Short Guide to Writing about Literature" (1996) that was written about the following poem:
Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Upon Julia's Clothes
Whenas in silk my Julia goes,
Then, then (methinks) how sweetly flows
That liquefaction of her clothes.
Next, when I cast mine eyes, and see
That brave vibration, each way free,
O, how that glittering taketh me.
For more information on this poem, go to: https://interestingliterature.com/2017/02/02/a-short-analysis-of-robert-herricks-upon-julias-clothes/
Evaluation
Please submit a copy of your ESSAY OUTLINE for feedback and evaluation. Once your teacher has reviewed and commented on your outline, you will be ready to begin your first draft.
Good luck!
Conclusion
There are numerous very good sites that offfer excellent information on writing basic essay outlines, but remember to make sure these follow your teacher's guidelines.
If you develop your ideas based on a solid foundation and a good structure, your essay will write itself.
You are now ready to begin your first draft. Go to the PARAGRAPH WRITING WebQuest to begin your first draft.
Credits
For more information on this WebQuest, contact Olivier Pelletier: olivier.pelletier@cegepmontpetit.ca