Sample Outline
• Introduction
Introduce hobby/controversy- why opinion is unpopular
Thesis Makes explicit claim
• Body Paragraph 1-Topic sentence: First reason I believe claim is right
Fact/observation that supports reason 1
Another fact/observation that supports Reason 1
Personal experience that supports reason 1
• Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Second Reason l believe my unpopular opinion is the right one. Summarize one reason people think the opposite of my topic sentence for paragraph 2
Respond to that reason show why it's wrong.
Give another example/fact that shows reason 2 is valid
• Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Third Reason I believe my unpopular opinion is the right one. Continue support as in previous paragraphs.
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE THIS OUTLINE. Make an outline that fits YOUR needs. Also, you don't have to write in complete sentences for the outline Remember to think about paragraph order. You might put your paragraphs in order from most convincing to least, or least convincing to most, if you want to end on a high note.
Symbol One: Location
Introduce the symbol of location.
Explain importance of Valley of Ashes, East Egg, West Egg, New York City, etc.
Analyze the purpose of location as a symbol (displays social class, conflict between locations, similarities and differences between characters)
Symbol Two: Weather
Introduce the symbol of weather.
Explain importance of the hot summer days, rainy visit with Daisy, and the heat again during the drunken feud.
Analyze the purpose of weather as a symbol (parallel to emotions and turn of events: heat held conflict, rain held disappointment or renewal).
Symbol Three: Colors
Introduce the symbol of colors.
Explain the importance of colors in relation to the story (emphasis on the color of clothing, perhaps focus on scene where Daisy cries at Gatsby’s beautiful clothes).
Analyze the purpose of colors as a symbol (colors of clothing help to develop characters, at times showing personality traits not initially displayed).
Symbol Four: Green Light
Introduce the symbol of the green light.
Explain the importance of the green light to the entire theme of the book (American Dream).
Analyze the purpose of the green light (the unattainable quest that Gatsby has allowed himself to go on for Daisy).
Conclusion
Briefly recap what was previously said.
Relate symbolism to the theme of the book.
Provide a strong closing.