22 Outline: Division Essay

Completing and following an outline before you write allows you to:

• divide the process of thinking and writing into two steps
• keep your focus on the academic structure you need for formal writing
• see where punctuation needs to be; if you’re moving to a new line in the outline, you need a period!
• check to make sure you’re ready to write so you don’t get “trapped” in the middle or at the end with nothing to say

OUTLINE FOR DIVISION ESSAY

Prewriting – before you write (not part of the essay, but essential for planning!)

Audience: Who are you writing for? Choose a specific target group, not just “people” or “my teacher.” This will allow you to give examples that are meaningful and connected to your purpose.

Purpose: What do you want your audience to learn? Why?

Introduction paragraph:

Hook: Catch the attention of your audience (quote, question, interesting statement)

Background information: Describe the situation, problem, or idea that led you to divide this topic; identify your audience by naming them instead of using YOU

Thesis statement: Preview the main points and contains the divisions you will discuss in the order you will discuss them

Body Paragraph #1:

Division Part 1: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

     Explain – describe the traits of the subgroup

     Illustrate – give a specific example of the subgroup relevant to your audience

Body Paragraph #2:

Division Part 2: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

     Explain – describe the traits of the subgroup

     Illustrate – give a specific example of the subgroup relevant to your audience

Body Paragraph #3:

Division Part 3: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

     Explain – describe the traits of the subgroup

     Illustrate – give a specific example of the subgroup relevant to your audience

Concluding paragraph:

Restatement: Restate the parts 1, 2, and 3 with synonyms/similar phrases

Final idea: Connects to your audience and purpose; tells them what you want them to know, remember or learn from the division you’ve discussed.