Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Possible Outline for the Essay for Book 2
Introduction
Include the title and genre
(In the story, “Oliver Button,” Oliver …)
Restate the prompt as a thesis
(Oliver is very courageous.)
Mention the body paragraph evidence
(In the beginning, Oliver is lonely and called a sissy. In the end he is a star.)
For higher scores – use literary language
(In the provocative story, “Oliver Button” …)
For higher scores – mention a theme or big idea
(This story shows that you should be true to yourself)
Body Paragraph 1
Restate the topic sentence
(In the beginning, Oliver is lonely and called a sissy.)
Go to the text
(For example in the story it says…. (either quote or paraphrase)
Refer back to the topic sentence
(This shows that Oliver Button is very lonely)
Body Paragraphs (2 or 3)
repeat above
Conclusion
Restate the main idea with emphasis
(Therefore, the story shows that Oliver Button is very courageous. Therefore, this
significant short story shows that Oliver Button displays great courage.)
Make a connection
(This story makes me realize … OR This story reminds me of [name another text –
maybe a class read aloud or independent book] that also shows the importance of
being true to yourself.)
DRAFT -- 1
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Possible Outline for the Essay for Book 3
Introduction
Include the title, author and genre of both texts
(The story, “Oliver Button” by Tomie DePaola and the article “So a Big, Bad Bully is
Coming After You” by Candace Purdom both show …)
Restate the prompt as a thesis
(There are many ways to respond to bullying.)
Mention the body paragraph evidence
(Oliver Button shows us how to ignore bullying and follow our heart. Candace
Purdom’s article shows us how to confront bullying. )
For higher scores – use literary language
(The provocative story, “Oliver Button” and the inspiring article “So a Big, Bad Bully
is Coming After You” by Candace Purdom both show …)
For higher scores – mention a theme or big idea
(Both of these texts teach valuable lessons about being true to yourself.)
Body Paragraphs –
Possibility 1 – Paragraph 1 discusses one text; Paragraph 2 discusses the
other text
Paragraph 2
Restate the topic sentence
(Oliver Button shows us how to ignore bullying and follow our heart.)
Go to the text
(For example in the story it says…. (either quote or paraphrase)
Refer back to the topic sentence
(Oliver Button shows us to follow our heart in spite of troubles we may face.)
Paragraph 3
Restate the topic sentence
(Candace Purdom’s article shows us how to confront bullying.)
Go to the text
(For example in the story it says…. (either quote or paraphrase)
Refer back to the topic sentence
(Candace Purdom’s article clearly shows us the importance of facing bullying and not
just ignoring it.)
DRAFT -- 2
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Possibility 2 – Paragraph 1 discusses one idea; Paragraph 2 discusses the
other idea – both texts are referred to with each idea
Paragraph 2
Restate the topic sentence
(Bullying can happen to anyone.)
Go to the text
(For example “Oliver Button” shows ... (either quote or paraphrase). And “So a Big,
Bad Bully is Coming After You” shows … (either quote or paraphrase).
Refer back to the topic sentence
(Both of these texts show that bullying can happen to anyone.)
Paragraph 3
Restate the topic sentence
(There are many ways of addressing bullying.)
Go to the text
(For example, “Oliver Button” shows that you can… On the other hand, “So a Big,
Bad Bully is Coming After You” shows … (either quote or paraphrase).
Refer back to the topic sentence
(Candace Purdom’s article clearly shows us the importance of facing bullying and not
just ignoring it.)
Conclusion
Restate the main idea with emphasis
Make a connection
(These texts make me realize … OR These texts remind me of [name another text –
maybe a class read aloud or independent book] which also suggests that (restate
thesis).
DRAFT -- 3