Analytical Paper Outline Template
When you write an analytical paper, your paper focuses on developing a nuanced interpretation of a particular work. Each paragraph should further that interpretation and must relate directly back to your thesis statement from your introduction paragraph.
For this assignment, you will develop an outline for your analytical paper. An outline is meant to help you organize your points. Think of it as a skeleton that you will “flesh out” when you write your paper. The more detail you include in the outline, the more likely you will develop a strong paper. Further directions below:
You need to use a formal outline format; use the outline template provided below to help structure your outline.
You must write full sentences for the thesis statement, the topic/transition sentences, the passages, and the restatement of thesis. Note: The passages will be direct quotes from the text, so include quotation marks and a citation in APA style.
Do not include any information from research yet. You first want to make sure that you have enough evidence from the text itself to defend your thesis.
How to use the outline template: Erase each line before typing into the space. You may add or delete supporting points or details. To add, simply place your cursor at the end of a line, hit Enter, and you will see a new number or letter appear. To delete, simply highlight the line and hit Delete or Backspace.
Introduction
Background info: ___________________________________________________
Background info: ___________________________________________________
Background info: ___________________________________________________
Thesis statement: ___________________________________________________
Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence: ____________________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
Body Paragraph 2
Topic/transition sentence: ____________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
Body Paragraph 3
Topic/transition sentence: ____________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
Body Paragraph 4
Topic/transition sentence: ____________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
passage: ____________________________________________________
interpretation: __________________________________________
Conclusion
Restatement of thesis: _______________________________________________
So what? Address the wider implications of your interpretation:
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