Narrative Essay Outline Template Page 3
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4Developing a thesis is like building a bridge. In a bridge, the cross-beam
(driveway) has to be held up by strong columns in order for the bridge to function.
Similarly, a thesis has two main components – a claim and the supporting details
that sustain it. In the bridge analogy, a cross-beam represents a claim, and the
columns represent supporting details.
Claim
A claim is a one-sentence statement that
Makes an assertion or takes a stance
CLAIM
Is based on a generalization
S
S
S
Is not a fact
U
U
U
Is debatable
P
P
P
P
P
P
Must be presented in the introduction of the essay
O
O
O
R
R
R
T
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T
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When making a claim, ask yourself any of the following:
What point am I trying to make?
What am I trying to say?
What am I getting at?
My family laughs a lot. (Weak because it is an easily observable fact)
Laughter has always been an important part of my family. (Stronger because it presents a position)
Supporting Details
Supporting details provide the means for reinforcing the claim, and can be organized in different patterns –
1) categories/topics or 2) time frames/chronological periods.
Thesis Statement
To create a thesis statement, combine the claim and the supporting details in one sentence. The direction
of your essay can change depending on the pattern in which you organize the supporting details.
Supporting details organized
Laughter has always been an important part of my family; it has
into categories:
helped us to get comfortable after long separations, made it easier
to deal with difficult times, and served as a form of entertainment.
Supporting details organized
Laughter has always been an important part of my life, supporting
into time frames:
me throughout my childhood, teenage years, and my adult life.
NOTE: Writing is a fluid process. As you complete your essay, you may realize that your thesis needs to be
modified to reflect your position better.
Step 4: Writing the Introduction
The introduction is the most general part of the paper. It helps provide a roadmap for further discussion or analysis.
This simplified formula offers components for a basic introduction:
Definition:
Identify, define, and/or describe the topic, concept, or literary theme. What will you be talking
about?
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