The Basic Literary Essay Outline

Introductory Paragraph
Hook: This could be a Question a quote, a statistic, an anecdote or example, an
emotional exclamation or something of your choice. It can be anyvhere from 2-5
sentences (give or take). The goal is to catch the readers attention as soon as
possible with something related to your topic without talking about the actual
story.
A Brief Discussion of the topic: Identify the author and the story/movie/novel title
in this section. This section gently moves the reader from your general concept to
how that concept will relate specifically to the story. It is beneficial to provide at
least one sentence for each of your main ideas. This part is usually longer than
your attention getting opener.
Your thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs (there may be more than just three of them)
Point: Begin by clearly stating the main point of your paragraph in the first
sentence of the paragraph. It may take more than one sentence to fully introduce
the main idea you will argue.
Proof: Next, provide a piece of proof to support that main point. The proof
usually comes in the form of a quote (direct reference) or an example (indirect
reference). Sometimes you may need more than one of these points of proof in a
paragraph.
Explanation: Now, provide a thorough and detailed explanation of how the proof
supports the point. You may need to do this more than once if there is more than
one piece of proof. Do not just retell the events of the story!
Summary: Finish with a summary of what you have argued that ties ideas
together and relates directly back to the thesis

Concluding Paragraph
Warm Down Statement: The warm down statement summarizes what you have
discussed in the body of the essay. It refers directly to the story. It begins with
transitional language.
Summary: An echo of the main points of the essay (rephrased not just copied
from the opening paragraph) Write one sentence for each main point.
Memorable Statement: A thought provoking conclusion that relates back to the
main idea of the essay and to society in general. Make the reader think. This can
be more than one sentence.