Essay Outline Diagram
GRAB
"Grabber" sentence interests and invites the reader into the "funnel."
THESIS at the end of opening paragraph states the main point of your paper.
Spiral down from general (establishing context) to specific (thesis).
Main Point 1 (least important)
Main Point 2 (next in importance)
Main Point 3 (next in importance)
Main Point 4 Etc. (to most important)
"Synthesis" that reinforces the thesis at the beginning of closing paragraph.
"Clincher" that brings closure to your paper.
Comparative Analysis Structure
I. Introduction
Hooks readers' interest.
Gives background on how essays/stories connect (compare/contrast).
Indicates the issue(s) your paper will address.
Ends with initial mapping in the form of a thesis statement.
II. General Discussion of the Authors’ Purposes
A. Comments on Poem/Essay/Story # 1
B. Comments on Poem/Essay/Story # 2
III. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story #1
A. Figurative Language
B. Tone
C. Pathos (etc.)
IV. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 2
A. Figurative Language
B. Tone
C. Pathos (etc.)
IV. Conclusion
Returns to the big picture for a sense of closure.
Makes final comments about the significance of your analysis.
Touches in some way on larger issues raised by the analysis.
2
Comparative Analysis Structure
I. Introduction
Hooks readers' interest.
Gives background on how essays/stories connect (compare/contrast).
Indicates the issue(s) your paper will address.
Ends with initial mapping in the form of a thesis statement.
II. General Discussion of the Authors’ Purposes
A. Comments on Poem/Essay/Story # 1
B. Comments on Poem/Essay/Story # 2
III. Figurative Language
A. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 1
B. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 2
IV. Tone
A. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 1
B. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 2
V. Pathos
A. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 1
B. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 2
VI. Etc. . . .
VII. Conclusion
Returns to the big picture for a sense of closure.
Makes final comments about the significance of your analysis.
Touches in some way on larger issues raised by the analysis.
3
Comparative Analysis Structure
I. Introduction
Hooks readers' interest.
Gives background on how essays/stories connect (compare/contrast).
Indicates the issue(s) your paper will address.
Ends with initial mapping in the form of a thesis statement.
II. Essay/Work # 1
A. General Comments on Author’s Purpose
B. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 1
1. Figurative Language
2. Tone
3. Pathos (etc.)
III. Poem/Essay/Story # 2
A. General Comments on Author’s Purpose
B. Analysis of Poem/Essay/Story # 2
1. Figurative Language
2. Tone
3. Pathos (etc.)
IV. Conclusion
Returns to the big picture for a sense of closure.
Makes final comments about the significance of your analysis.
Touches in some way on larger issues raised by the analysis.
And So It Goes
Lullaby
She’s Always A Woman
She’s Got A Way