Essay Outline Worksheet
Introductory Paragraph
General introduction of your topic
Choose a key word or phrase from your thesis statement and write a general statement that introduces
your topic without getting too specific.
Connect topic to author and novel
Outline of main body paragraph points
What are your arguments going to be?
Thesis statement
What is the author’s message about this topic?
Body Paragraph #1
Topic Sentence
Point
Proof/Quote
Citation
Comment
Connect your point to your thesis / include reference to your secondary sources. Include citations if
necessary.
Concluding Statement
How does this argument prove your thesis? Make a logical transition to the next body paragraph.
Body Paragraph #2
Topic Sentence
Point
Proof/Quote
Citation
Comment
Connect your point to your thesis / include reference to your secondary sources. Include citations if
necessary.
Concluding Statement
How does this argument prove your thesis? Make a logical transition to your next paragraph.
Body Paragraph #3
Topic Sentence
Point
Proof/Quote
Citation
Comment
Connect your point to your thesis / include reference to your secondary sources. Include citations if
necessary.
Concluding Statement
How does this argument prove your thesis? Make a logical transition to the next paragraph.
Concluding Paragraph
Restate your thesis
Retrace your arguments
Final closing remarks/insights
Consider what takes your essay BEYOND:
 RESEARCH! Reading reliable, credible, secondary sources will enhance your argument. Secondary
sources will supplement your own proofs and commentary, provide historic context, provide contrary
perspective, etc. Use them to develop your ideas…DO NOT steal ideas and use them as your own!
Cite all your sources.
 STYLE! Write a formal essay using formal language. Do not use contractions, personal pronouns or
slang/colloquialisms. Use strong sentence structure, effective diction, accurate grammar and spelling
and strong transitions that link your ideas and provide coherence.
 BE ORIGINAL! Consider new perspectives, develop your own original thoughts/responses based on
your reading, use “new” quotations that were not examined in class and argue a unique thesis.
 BE ORGANIZED! Be logical, stay on topic – do not simply summarize, do not be redundant or repetitive
and always link your arguments back to your thesis.
Peer Editing Checklist
Structure
Is there a(n):
o Introduction?
o A thesis statement at the end of the introduction?
o Body Paragraph One?
o Body Paragraph Two?
o Body Paragraph Three?
o Topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph?
o At least one quote per body paragraph?
o Well developed commentary in each body paragraph?
o A sentence that concludes each body paragraph and links the paragraph to the thesis?
o A Conclusion?
Spelling, Grammar and Word Choice
o Words are spelled correctly
o Sentences make sense
o The literary present tense is used
o There are no contractions (e.g. don’t, can’t, shouldn’t)
o There are no personal pronouns used (e.g. I, we, you, me, my)
o There is no slang used (e.g. 24/7, etc., pissed-off, sort of, like)
o There are no numerals used (e.g. “There were 3 witches”)
o Appropriate vocabulary is used
o All quotes are cited using embedded citation
o All citations are written correctly [e.g.(Orwell 123)].
o The essay sounds formal
Format
o The essay is typed in size 12 font
o The essay is typed using Arial or Times New Roman font
o The essay is double spaced
o Standard margins are used
o The first page includes the title, your first and last names, the course code and the due date as a header
o Pages are numbered
o The rough draft is included at the back of your essay package
o The Works Cited page is included following the good copy of your essay
o All pages are neatly stapled or paper clipped at the top, left-hand corner
o No folders or duotangs are used
Content
o All statements and arguments are based on the facts of the texts and can be proven with quotes
o All arguments are well-developed and insightful
o All arguments prove the thesis
o Transition words are used to allow arguments to flow logically
o Connecting words are used to link ideas and connect ideas to thesis
o The essay does not stray from the thesis – all arguments are linked to the thesis statement
o Quotes are integrated subtly; avoid sentences such as, “This quote says….”
o Quotes should make sense out of the context of their original text; some contextualizing may be
necessary
o No unnecessary plot summary is included