Look at an exemplar (a hero) who embodies the growth mindset (Weeks 1 & 2), critical thinking and the informed citizen (Weeks 3 & 4), overcoming obstacles and setbacks, (Weeks 5 & 6), and inclusivity/diversity (Week 7). This essay will involve researching the person (student’s choice), synthesizing all prior topics of this module, and citing appropriate, college-level resources (almost anything but .com, so NYTimes is fine and other reputable news organizations).
Sample Outline Template
I. Introduction
A. Hook/ Attention Grabber
1. Provide a sentence that will catch the reader’s interest.
2. Try not to make a broad/generalized statement.
3. Offer something concise and catchy.
B. Background Information
1. Provide general background information.
2. Offer some more specific background information (as needed).
3. Provide the title of the piece and the author’s name if the essay is about a
specific book/poem/article/passage.
C. Thesis Statement (YOU MUST HAVE THIS IN THE INTRODUCTION)
1. State your topic and position or PURPOSE of the essay. Remember that a thesis = claim + reasons. Ex: Malcolm X embodies the five themes discussed in Freshman Seminar because of his commitment to improving himself, his community, and all people of color who found themselves oppressed by society at large.
2. Outline your main points and ideas.
II. Body
A. Paragraph 1 Growth Mindset (first main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about? Ex: Malcolm X exudes/illustrates/exemplifies growth and mindset because of his passion for education for himself and for the betterment of society.
2. Supporting evidence and ideas (at least one in-text citation)
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
b) Analyze your supporting evidence.
(1) Why does your evidence matter? What does it mean?
(2) Transition to the next point.
3. Summarize and transition to your next main idea.
B. Paragraph 2 Critical Thinking (second main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about? Ex: Malcolm X also applied his critical thinking towards every aspect of his life in order to live a serious and deliberate life.
2. Supporting evidence and ideas (at least one in-text citation)
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
b) Analyze your supporting evidence.
(1) Why does your evidence matter? What does it mean?
(2) Transition to the next point.
3. Summarize and transition to your next main idea.
C. Possible Paragraph 3 Overcoming obstacles (third main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about?
2. Supporting evidence and ideas (at least one in-text citation)
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
b) Analyze your supporting evidence.
(1) Why does your evidence matter? What does it mean?
(2) Transition to the next point.
3. Summarize and transition to your next main idea or conclusion.
C. Possible Paragraph 4 Inclusivity/Diversity (third main point)
1. Topic sentence: what is this paragraph about?
2. Supporting evidence and ideas (at least one in-text citation)
a) Give reasons, facts, proof, statistics, quotes (with citations).
b) Analyze your supporting evidence.
(1) Why does your evidence matter? What does it mean?
(2) Transition to the next point.
3. Summarize and transition to your next main idea or conclusion.
Conclusion (3 sentences)
A. Summarize key points and pull it all together. (no citations in the conclusion)
1. Don’t introduce new information/ evidence.
2. Don’t repeat your writing verbatim from previous parts of the paper.
B. Offer closing thoughts and give the reader something to think about.
1. Suggest a call-to-action.
2. Provide a look into the future related to your topic.
IV. Reference Page