MLA HEADING:
ESSAY OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
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Hook—Grab your reader’s attention. (1 sentence)
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Provide relevant background information. (2 to 5 sentences)
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Thesis statement—Opinion/attitude about topic and at least three points that are presented in the order
that they will be discussed. In other words, a road map telling the reader where the essay will go. (1
sentence)
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BODY PARAGRAPH 1
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Topic sentence:
One sentence that starts with a transitional word or phrase and then introduces thesis
point #1 as its topic. (1 sentence)
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Evidence: At least one example that proves the Topic sentence is true; quotes are examples. (2 to 4
sentences)
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MLA HEADING:
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Analysis: An analysis and explanation of how your Evidence accomplishes proving the Topic sentence is
true. (1 to 3 sentences)
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Link sentence: A sentence that relates to this paragraph’s Topic sentence and transitions to the next
paragraph. (1 sentence)
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BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Topic sentence:
One sentence that starts with a transitional word or phrase and then introduces thesis
point #2 as its topic. (1 sentence)
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Evidence: At least one example that proves the Topic sentence is true; quotes are examples. (2 to 4
sentences)
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Analysis: An analysis and explanation of how your Evidence accomplishes proving the Topic sentence is
true. (1 to 3 sentences)
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Link sentence: A sentence that relates to this paragraph’s Topic sentence and transitions to the next
paragraph. (1 sentence)
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MLA HEADING:
BODY PARAGRAPH 3

Topic sentence:
One sentence that starts with a transitional word or phrase and then introduces thesis
point #3 as its topic. (1 sentence)
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Evidence: At least one example that proves the Topic sentence is true; quotes are examples. (2 to 4
sentences)
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Analysis: An analysis and explanation of how your Evidence accomplishes proving the Topic sentence is
true. (1 to 3 sentences)
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Link sentence: A sentence that relates to this paragraph’s Topic sentence and transitions to the next
paragraph. (1 sentence)
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BODY PARAGRAPH 4 (Counterpoint)

Topic sentence:
One sentence that starts with a transitional word or phrase and then introduces a
counterpoint as its topic. (1 sentence)
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MLA HEADING:
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Evidence: At least one example that proves the Topic sentence is true; quotes are examples. (2 to 4
sentences)
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
Analysis: An analysis and explanation of how your Evidence accomplishes proving the Topic sentence is
true. (1 to 3 sentences)
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Link sentence: A sentence that relates to this paragraph’s Topic sentence and transitions to the next
paragraph. (1 sentence)
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CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH (4 to 6 sentences)
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Restate your thesis in a new a way, Summarize the essay’s argument, Explain the greater significance;
explain the author’s point/message
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