Reading, Language, and Literature, Part 12

Question 1: List guidelines for preparing formal outlines.

Answer 1: A formal outline may be useful if the subject is complex and includes many elements. Following is a guide to preparing formal outlines:1. Always put the thesis at the top so it may be referred to as often as necessary during the outlining.2. Make subjects similar in generality as parallel as possible in the formal outline.3. Use complete sentences rather than phrases or sentence fragments in the outline.4. Use the conventional system of letters and numbers to designate levels of generality.5. Assign at least two subdivisions for each category in the formal outline.6. Limit the number of major sections in the outline. If there are too many major sections, combine some of them and supplement with additional subcategories.7. Remember the formal outline is still subject to change; remain flexible throughout the process.

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Question 2: Define and describe an introduction.

Answer 2: An introduction announces the main point of the work. It will usually be a paragraph of 50 to 150 words, opening with a few sentences to engage the reader, and concluding with the essay’s main point. The sentence stating the main point is called the thesis sentence. If possible, the sentences leading to the thesis should attract the reader’s attention with a provocative question, vivid image, description, paradoxical statement, quotation, or anecdote. The thesis sentence could also appear at the beginning of the introduction. Some types of writing do not lend themselves to stating a thesis in one sentence. Personal narratives and some types of business writing may be better served by conveying an overriding purpose of the text, which may or may not be stated directly. The important point is to impress the audience with the rationale for the writing.

Question 3: Discuss some important points in creating an effective thesis.

Answer 3: Creating an effective thesis is an art. The thesis should be a generalization rather than a fact and should be neither too broad nor too narrow in scope. A thesis prepares readers for facts and details, so it may not be a fact itself. It is a generalization that requires further proof or supporting points. Any thesis too broad may be an unwieldy topic and must be narrowed. The thesis should have a sharp focus and avoid vague, ambivalent language. The process of bringing the thesis into sharp focus may help in outlining major sections of the work. This process is known as blueprinting, and it helps the writer control the shape and sequence of the paper. Blueprinting outlines major points and supporting arguments that are used in elaborating on the thesis. A completed blueprint often leads to a development of an accurate first draft of a work. Once the thesis and opening are complete, it is time to address the body of the work.

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