Essay Think Sheet

Name:
Teacher, Class, & Period:

Attention Getter:

Topic Sentence:

Thesis Statement (Main idea; what you plan to prove; should include information which would require 3 body paragraphs):

Body Paragraph#1

Topic Sentence (must include transition):

Proof #1 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis):

Proof #2 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis)

Discussion (writer's opinion helps to prove thesis; discuss details relating to topic sentence)

Closing sentence

Body Paragraph #2

Topic Sentence (must include transition)

Proof #1 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis):

Proof #2 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis):

Discussion (writer's opinion helps to prove thesis; discuss details relating to topic sentence):

Closing sentence:

Body Paragraph #3

Topic Sentence (must include transition):

Proof #1 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis):

Proof #2 (example or quote to support first subtopic of thesis):

Discussion (writer's opinion helps to prove thesis; discuss details relating to topic sentence):

Closing sentence:

Conclusion

Transition/topic sentence:

Restatement of thesis (use different wording or organization):

Clincher (explains importance of essay to audience; what should audience consider after reading the essay?
Includes writer's insights; may relate back to attention getter):

You paper will only be as strong as your outline. A well-developed outline will help you write a well-developed essay.

Questions to ask yourself regarding your outline:

Do I have a strong thesis? Do I have 3 sub-topics included in my thesis?
Do I have strong supporting details in each body paragraph?
Do my supporting details for each paragraph help support the topic for THAT paragraph?
Have I included a smooth transition from paragraph to paragraph?
Have I included quotes? Have I listed on my outline where the quotes are found?
Do I have my facts straight?
Have I incorporated MY ideas into the discussion for each body paragraph and the conclusion?
Do I have characters' names spelled correctly?
Have I written complete sentences for the attention getter, thesis, topic sentence, and closing sentence?
Do I have enough information listed in my examples to make clear, strong sentences when I write my body paragraph?