“The Half-Husky”, by Margaret Laurence
Essay Planner
Topic:
Identify and prove the theme of Laurence’s short story,
“The Half-Husky”.
Prove it in an “Initially, However, Consequently, Therefore”
essay. Make sure you INTERPRET details to show ideas
about human nature that emerge from the story, not just plot
details themselves, (which will support those bigger
interpretations).
INTRODUCTION – 4-5 sentences long (including a general introduction
to ideas in the story, title and author information, and a blueprint of
your essay’s structure), funneling from a general statement about the
topic to your THESIS STATEMENT, the main point your essay will prove
– which is the theme of the story, in this instance.
THESIS STATEMENT (include the blueprint about your paragraphs):
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________________________________________________.
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
Note: Your developing ideas support or develop ideas in your topic sentence.
Each idea will be supported by three quotes or supporting details.
Remember, in your final essay, you will need to include a discussion sentence
before or after (or integrated with) each quotation/supporting detail:
“Point, Proof, Discussion”
Topic Sentence: _Initially,_ What section is this? Describe the initial
portrayal of the characters.
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Developing idea #1
Developing idea #2
Developing idea #3
Developing idea #4
Concluding/Transition Sentence for paragraph 1:
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BODY PARAGRAPH 2
Note: Your developing ideas support or develop ideas in your topic sentence.
Each idea will be supported by three quotes or supporting details.
Remember, in your final essay, you will need to include a discussion sentence
before or after (or integrated with) each quotation/supporting detail:
“Point, Proof, Discussion”
Topic Sentence: However,______________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Developing idea #1
Developing idea #2
Developing idea #3
Developing idea #4
Concluding/Transition Sentence: ___________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
BODY PARAGRAPH 3
Note: Your developing ideas support or develop ideas in your topic sentence.
Each idea will be supported by three quotes or supporting details.
Remember, in your final essay, you will need to include a discussion sentence
before or after (or integrated with) each quotation/supporting detail:
“Point, Proof, Discussion”
Topic Sentence: Consequently,___________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Developing idea #1
Developing idea #2
Developing idea #3
Developing idea #4
Concluding/Transition Sentence: ___________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
BODY PARAGRAPH 4
Note: Your proof should be a quotation or a specific moment of evidence.
Remember, in your final essay, you will need to include a discussion sentence
before or after each proof.
Topic Sentence: _Therefore,____________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Proof #1
Proof #2
Proof #3
Proof #4
Concluding Sentence: __________________________________
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Conclusion of Essay – Sum up your main points, and lead the idea in the
thesis back into the “real” world again. (2 or 3 sentences)