Theme Analysis Paper for “The Outsiders”
Using your notes, write a five paragraph essay which discusses in depth the themes you chose to follow.
Use examples from the story to help you write your essay. You CANNOT be vague and just write, “The
theme of building bridges is shown with Ponyboy and Cherry.” You HAVE to elaborate with actual
details from the story. What instances from the story show/prove this? You cannot simply write, “Loss
of innocence was sad in the Outsiders. One can see it in Johnny, Dally and Ponyboy.” Well, how is the
loss of innocence reinforced? What happens or has happened to these characters to cause them to lose
their innocence. Also, never talk AT the reader. Ex. Do NOT write statements like this, “I am going to
talk about the theme of eyes.” “I hope you understand the theme better.” Do NOT use YOU in a formal
essay. Use objective language like one, a person, someone, etc. Finally, use your notes on sentence
variety. NO short choppy sentences!
Introduction: Explain which themes you chose in one thesis statement. Tell the reader what you will be
talking about. You can be a little more personal in the intro. Grab the reader’s attention. 5 sentences.
A thesis statement tells the reader the three main points you will make. Ex. “In the novel “The
Outsiders, the themes of building bridges, loss of innocence and eyes are apparent throughout.”
1st body paragraph: Discuss the theme as it applies to the story. Need a topic sentence and a clincher
sentence. 5-6 sentences. Include facts from the story. Be detailed and descriptive. Use the thesaurus
button to choose innovative words/vocabulary. Include sentence variety. NO short, choppy, boring
sentences! Use your notes on sentence variety to help you write!!
2nd body paragraph: Discuss the theme as it applies to the story. Need a topic sentence and a clincher
sentence. 5-6 sentences. Be detailed and descriptive. Use the thesaurus button to choose innovative
words/vocabulary. Include sentence variety. NO short, choppy, boring sentences! Use your notes on
sentence variety to help you write!!
3rd body paragraph: Discuss the theme as it applies to the story. Need a topic sentence and a clincher
sentence. 5-6 sentences. Be detailed and descriptive. Use the thesaurus button to choose innovative
words/vocabulary. Include sentence variety. NO short, choppy, boring sentences! Use your notes on
sentence variety to help you write!!
Conclusion: Wrap up the essay. Remind the reader of the main points that you made. Restate your
thesis statement.
Requirements
Double Spaced
Name, date due, 8th English Outsiders Essay in left hand corner
Include sentence variety
Choose new words using the thesaurus
Include facts and examples from the story
Include a topic and clincher sentence
Include basic grammatical and punctuation correctness