Research OUTLINE Worksheet
RESEARCH OUTLINE WORKSHEET
Use this worksheet to help you organize your research paper.
Introduction
Your intro can begin with your author’s biographical information:
Who _____________________________________________________________________________________
What
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When
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Where
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Why
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How
Working thesis statement:
Your thesis should make a claim about the poem you are analyzing. State the topic and your opinion. Let the reader know what your paper will focus on.
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Body Paragraphs
Use your thesis statement and introduction to draft your body paragraphs:
Body paragraphs provide the reasons for why you believe your thesis is true. Use examples, quotes from the poem and quotes from the literary criticism INSIDE the body paragraph to support the topic sentence.
What is the topic sentence of your first body paragraph?
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What is the evidence in this paragraph that proves your topic sentence?
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What is the topic sentence of your second body paragraph?
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What is the evidence in this paragraph that proves your topic sentence?
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What is the topic sentence of your third body paragraph?
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What is the evidence in this paragraph that proves your topic sentence?
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What is the topic sentence of your fourth body paragraph?
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What is the evidence in this paragraph that proves your topic sentence?
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You will have more than four paragraphs, so just use this same format as above to work out what you want other paragraphs to be.
Your Conclusion
Write your working thesis statement here so it’s in front of you while you develop your conclusion:
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Draft a reflection on your thesis that deepens its meaning.
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What observations and conclusions do you have? Have you proven your thesis?
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Remember to always consider the “so what? Who cares? Why does it matter? As it relates to your thesis.
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