Outline for Textual Analysis

I. Introduction
A. Hook or introduction to topic of article
B. Article Title, Author, and Summary (should be two sentences at least)
C. Thesis

II. Paragraph Sub-claim 1

A. Topic Sentence (Provide the sub-claim you identified and the type of claim it is)
B. Paraphrase/Summary/Quote of evidence (give the evidence and the type of evidence it is)
C. Sentence(s) identifying the appeal used in the claim and evidence
D. Sentence with Stem (see next page for explanation)
E. Transition Sentence

III. Paragraph Sub-claim 2

A. Topic Sentence (Provide the sub-claim you identified and the type of claim it is)
B. Paraphrase/Summary/Quote of evidence (give the evidence and the type of evidence it is)
C. Sentence(s) identifying the appeal used in the claim and evidence
D. Sentence with Stem
E. Transition Sentence

IV. Paragraph Sub-claim 3 (if needed)

A. Topic Sentence (Provide the sub-claim you identified and the type of claim it is)
B. Paraphrase/Summary/Quote of evidence (give the evidence and the type of evidence it is)
C. Sentence with Stem
D. Transition Sentence

V. Conclusion
A. Restate Thesis
B. Summary of your conclusion on Article A
C. Closing Point of importance

The Writing Program 1

Stem Sentences and their Purpose

Stem sentences help you provide analysis about the evidence. You might express the importance of the evidence;
compare and contrast it to other evidence; elaborate on the idea; or express agreement/disagreement. They create
connections for your audience, so you do not leave the audience to assume the connections. Remember, though, you
cannot use “I” or another form of first person.

For a textual analysis, a stem sentence provides a statement indicating whether or not you think the evidence and type,
as well as rhetorical appeal, support the sub-claim.

Ex: The evidence supports the judgement claim by offering statistical data to prove that more money
does not equal happiness; while statistical data is a logical appeal, the data draws feelings of
disappointment from a reader because most Americans consider money and happiness as one.

Examples of stem sentence starters:

Clarifying:
• To be clear, the author is saying that…
• The author is arguing for…
• This evidence is similar to…
• This evidence is different than…

Elaborating:
• The author is saying that…
• is the best choice because…
• It should be noted that because…

Building on the Idea of Another:

• mentioned that…
• Furthermore…

Agreeing:
• This point makes sense because…
• ’s point about is important because…

Disagreeing:
• While this is one point of view, is also valid because…
• may be true but another consideration is that…
• This position lacks ...

The Writing Program 2