Sample Outline for a Critical Lens Essay
Task: Write a meaningful essay that agrees or disagrees with the theme behind the lens using two
literary works including a discussion of the authors’ use of elements and techniques.
INTRODUCTION ¶
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¶ PARAGRAPHS
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Avoid repetitiveness;
use different key words,
phrases, sentences to
convey similar ideas
Underline titles of works
and literary terms
Check for punctuation &
spelling
Introductory or Background Sentence –the “Hook”
o introduces topic in context / framework
 Address & cite quote(s)
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 Draws the reader’s interest to your essay
 (The quote by [quoter] means…)
Thesis Statement / Topic Sentence
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o specifies which topic you are addressing
o asserts your purpose/ position on an issue
 define or interpret quote in your own words
 assert your position: agreement OR disagreement
Proof of Evidence Sentence
o introduces the evidence(s) you will use in each Body Paragraph
o introduces the 2 sources; one for each Body Paragraph
 ([quoter]’s statement is valid as supported by [characters] in [title] by [author] and
[characters] in [title] by [author].)
Literary Analysis Sentence
o ends introduction & introduces 1st example
 (Both authors use [literary term] and [literary term] to convey this [theme or
moral].)
1ST & 2nd BODY PARAGRAPHS ¶
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Topic Sentence (i.e. [Author] characterizes [character] as one with traits, beliefs, and point of
view of [viewpoint] in conflict with setting/ another character, to convey this theme.)
o introduces your 1st example/ argument/ text/ case/ document
o addresses your Thesis Statement fully
2-3 varied pieces of evidence/ reasoning/ support for 1st example –develop it with many details
o Make sure each statement is fully supported complete explanations using facts from text
o Each evidence should be fully developed –at least 3-5 sentences long each totaling 1 page
 Include WHO ([character] is characterizes as…]
 WHAT (in [what] conflict)
 WHEN (during [what setting])
 WHERE ([where]and [where] in the story plotline)
 WHY ([why] because of point of view differs from opposing side’s POV)
 HOW ([how] did [character] face & overcome [conflict])
 Give at least 2 complete examples
Closing Sentence
o final statement logically affirming how your evidences prove your Thesis Statement
 or how supports your evidences prove your interpretation of the quote
 ([character] learns….[theme/moral]
Transition Sentence
o connects previous & subsequent paragraphs
o ends or closes the 1st example & introduces 2nd example
 i.e. (On the other hand; in addition; this is also true to; not only… but…also; the
same can be said of; the theme is also present or supported by; this point of view
is also shared by; another who shares a common conflict is; the next example also
supports; in contrast; similarly, etc..) (
 (The theme/moral here is [theme/moral] and another character teaches us the
same moral behind the quote.)
3RD BODY PARAGRAPH ¶ –often optional if not expected to have 3 examples
o
o
o
used for comparison & contrast of 1st & 2nd Examples
analyzes commonalities bet. both examples/ arguments/ texts/ cases/ documents
used to incorporate deeper analysis, a connected moral, lesson, theme.
CONCLUSION ¶
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Common or Overall Sentence
o connects topic to context / framework
 addresses quote in context/ framework of your essay
 (Both works fully validates {quoter’s quote that [meaning].)
Proof of Evidence Sentence
o concludes how the evidence(s) you used in each Body Paragraph supports Thesis Statement
 or how each work supports your interpretation of the quote
 ([examples] prove that…]
Final Sentence –the “Clincher”
o mentions any Overarching Ideas
o states any Assertions or Declarations
o avows Lessons Learned
o affirms final Association with World or Society at large
o asserts Final Pleas for your purpose/ position
o Most Significant Conclusions
o (Society can be a better place [how] if we all follow their example.)
Reminders:
 spell out titles, authors and characters’ names correctly –esp. in Introduction Paragraph
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When introducing characters, use full names, then by first name thereafter
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When addressing authors after introduction, refer by last name (you don’t know them!)
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Refer to works by differentiating genres: novel, drama, dramatic play, film, movie, etc.
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Refer to story position by story/plotline: exposition, rising action, turning point, climax, resolution
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Topic Sentences: address ALL parts of thesis/ your interpretation of quote
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Closing Sentences: sum up moral of example/ lesson learned transition to next example
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Use literary terms AS you support your thesis throughout your body paragraphs