Outline Strong academic writing has a clear structure

Outline • Strong academic writing has a clear structure. Start by drafting an outline to help you stay on track. • Intro Paragraph Sample Outline: – _________________________ – _____________ • Body Paragraph (repeat as needed) – – _________________________ • Conclusion – _________________________ – _____________

An Intro to the Into Paragraph • The intro paragraph should give the reader a ___________ of everything that is to follow, just like a film preview does for a movie.

Choosing a Topic Avoid writing on a topic that is… • ______…it will make it harder to focus your writing, rather than give you more to work with • ______…it will not be academic in nature if it’s all based on personal experience or opinion • _________…you can argue whatever you want, as long as there is supporting evidence • ______…it’s difficult to make an argument out of something that is entirely factual

Elements of an Intro Paragraph • A strong introductory paragraph set the stage for the essay by providing: – A ______ to lure the reader in – ______ to explain what the book, text, or theory will be used to further discuss the topic – And a ______ to make your claim

Using a Hook • The ______ grabs the reader’s interest by introducing a ______. Be careful not to make this statement too broad or specific. – ______: • Some things in life seem destined to happen, regardless of what we do to try to stop them. – ______: • In Romeo and Juliet, the lovers are doomed from the start, and sure enough, end up dying by the play’s end. – ______: • Many of Shakespeare’s tragedies illustrate the concept that individual will is no match for predetermined fate.

Definition of Background/Context • The ______/______ guides the discussion of the topic by situating the reader within a particular text, historical time, or theoretical frame. We move from a broader topic to a specific context. – Example: • In Romeo and Juliet, the young lovers struggle to overcome many barriers in order to be together. However, the rivalry between the Capulet and Montague families predetermined the fate of Romeo and Juliet long before they met at the masquerade.

So Far… Introductory Paragraph: Many of Shakespeare’s tragedies illustrate the concept that individual will is no match for predetermined fate. In Romeo and Juliet, the young lovers struggle to overcome many barriers in order to be together. However, the rivalry between the Capulet and Montague families predetermined the fate of Romeo and Juliet long before they met at the masquerade.

Drafting a Thesis Statement • The ______ makes an overall claim about your topic and lays out key evidence to support that claim. • Thesis Elements: – ______: WHAT are you saying about the book/text/theory? – ______: HOW can you support your claim?

Example • Claim: – The play reinforces the idea that individuals are powerless to change their fates • Evidence: – The foreshadowing element of the chorus – The characterization of Romeo and Juliet as young and naïve – The situational irony of the final scene Thesis: • The play reinforces the idea that individuals are powerless to change their fates through the foreshadowing element of the chorus, the characterization of Romeo and Juliet as young and naïve, and the situational irony of the final scene.

The Intro Paragraph Many of Shakespeare’s tragedies illustrate the concept that individual will is no match for predetermined fate. In Romeo and Juliet, the young lovers struggle to overcome many barriers in order to be together. However, the rivalry between the Capulet and Montague families predetermined the fate of Romeo and Juliet long before they met at the masquerade. The play reinforces the idea that individuals are powerless to change their fates through the foreshadowing element of the chorus, the characterization of Romeo and Juliet as young and naïve, and the situational irony of the final scene.