Question _________
Name:___________________________________________
Outline components:
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Thesis: Provides an answer to the question and a blueprint of the paragraphs to follow
Topic sentence: Should indicate the focus of the body paragraph and link the paragraph to the thesis.
Text evidence: Specific, well-chosen detail (quote or example) from the book that supports or illustrates the body
paragraph’s topic.
Explanation: YOUR thinking (inference, analysis, opinion) about the text evidence. Don’t simply summarize!
Clincher: A sentence that answers “so what”—it suggests the overall importance or relevance of the paragraph.
Introduction
Opening elements:
Thesis statement:
Topic sentence:
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Clincher:
Topic sentence:
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Clincher:
Topic sentence:
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Text evidence
Explanation
Clincher:
Concluding thoughts: