Persuasive Essay Outline Example
Prompt: In the form of a multiparagraph essay, explain why Freak was lucky or unlucky in the novel Freak the Mighty.
Your claim must be supported by documented evidence.
I.
Prompt Analysis (Start by annotating the prompt.)
A. Audience: not specified; must assume an instructor: educated; will expect formal writing
B. Format: many paragraphs, which generally means at least 5; a formal writing adheres to MLA guidelines:
twelve-point font; double spaced; works-cited page; proper headers on each page
C. Purpose:
1. I must find examples that show how Freak was lucky or unlucky.
2. I must explain how these examples make Freak lucky or unlucky.
II.
Outline the key elements of the essay.
A. Thesis statement outline:
1. Counterargument: Although Kevin never lives to see his high-school years,
2. Claim: he is lucky for the following reasons:
3. Reason #1: he experienced true friendship,
4. Reason #2: embarked on real-life quests,
5. Reason #3: and found a chance to make his life meaningful.
B. Formal thesis statement: Although Kevin (also known as Freak) never lives to see his high-school
years, he was lucky for the following reasons: he experienced true friendship, embarked on real-life
quests, and found a chance to make his life meaningful.
C. Outline for the evidence:
1. Reason #1: (true friendship)
a) Page 86: Freak chokes in the cafeteria.
b) Page 87: Max is only concerned about Freak’s welfare, despite the news of his father’s possible
return.
c) Pages 77-78: Freak stands up for Max during class.
2. Irony role#2: (real-life quests)
a) Page 37: outwitted Tony D.
b) Page 132: rescued Loretta Lee
c) Page 134: vanquished Killer Kane
3. Irony role #3: (meaningful life)*This should be the strongest reason!
a) Page 131-132: Freak sprays Killer Kane in the eyes.
b) Pages 161-169Freak made a dictionary for Max
c) Page 160: Freak inspired Max to write the tales of Freak the Mighty.
Literary Essay Assignment
Prompt: In the form of a multiparagraph essay, explain why Phineas was lucky or unlucky in the book Phineas Gage.
Your claim must be supported by documented evidence.
I.
On a separate sheet of paper, analyze the prompt and outline the key parts of the essay—the thesis
statement and the evidence for the reasons that Phineas was lucky or unlucky. Be sure to complete this is
the same format that I did for Freak the Mighty.
II.
After you finish the prompt analysis and outline of the key components, complete the tasks below in order
to fill in the gaps for your essay. Use my mentor essay as a guide.
III.
Title (On the lines provided, brainstorm possibilities for a title that expresses the main idea and is catchy and
short.
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IV.
Attention getter (Hook) – Now, brainstorm a question, quote, startling statistic, or interesting dialogue.
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V.
Analysis: Tell what each example is showing within your body paragraphs.
A. Body paragraph #1:____________________________________________________________
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B. Body paragraph #2:____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
C. Body paragraph #3:____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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Essay Rubric
1
Ideas and Development
Organization, Unity, and Coherence
Word Choice
Sentences and Paragraphs
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
2
3
4
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