Fifth Grade Response to Literature Outline
Paragraph 1
 State the title and author of the piece
 State a short, clear 3-sentence summary of the story;
include only the major events that relate to the theme
 (GREEN) Use 1 sentence to tell the theme ( author’s
message or lesson) of the story (your thesis statement)
Paragraph 2
 State your interpretation of (Infer!) the story’s message as it
applies to everyday life
 (YELLOW/ concrete details): Support your interpretation with 2
specific TEXTUAL examples (details & events); use at least
one direct quotation
 Explain HOW these textual examples show /prove the story’s
message; use your own personal experience & knowledge
(& possibly other related reading) to help explain how the
supporting story examples & details suggest the message
Paragraph 3
 (GREEN) Restate the story’s theme in a way that expresses
your insight (deep understanding) into the story
 Sum up the textual details/references in a NEW WAY, and
state how they support your interpretation of the theme ( be
SURE you connect to & talk about the thesis/message as
you stated it in Paragraph #1 !!!
**Essay Pointers
 DO NOT just retell the story!!
 Organize essay around the theme/central idea (thesis) with
a logical presentation of the 2 supporting details from the
story that are clearly explained and connected to the
thesis/message!
 Essay should demonstrate a careful reading & clear
understanding of the story’s message
 Use lively, interesting words (verbs, nouns, & adjectives),
sentence variety, transitions, and proper conventions
(grammar, punctuation, spelling)