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Steps For Writing a Function Outline
Wolf Re-Introduciton Essay Analysis
The Function Outline is best used mid-writing when a writer
has written a lot and needs to organize and focus the early writing.
1. Number all the paragraphs in your essay.
2. Highlight or underline the thesis statement. Write the thesis statement
below.
Thesis Statement:
The re-introduction of wolves has been a blessing as well as a problem.
3. Skim the essay, highlighting the main supporting points. Briefly
summarize these points below.
First Main Point:
Wolves are considered a blessing by some.
(Describe here who sees wolves as blessing.)
A. Wolves can help keep control of the wildlife.
(No evidence from sources in current draft.)
B.
C.
Second Main Point:
Others see more problems than blessings in wolf re-introduction.
(Describe here who generally sees the negative side of wolf re-introduction).
A. Wolves spread out and move out of their original territory.
(Evidence provided in current draft.)
B. Wolves eat some animals that shouldn't be killed.
(No evidence in current draft.)
C. Ranchers are prosecuted for protecting their herds.
(Evidence in current draft.)
D. Wolves are starting to behave like coyotes and other varmints who move into human areas, but unlike other animals, they can take down humans.
(No evidence in current draft.)
4. Go through the essay, paragraph by paragraph, noting how each one
functions to support the main point of the essay. As you read, think
about the following questions: Does the paragraph develop a main supporting
point? Does it provide background material? Is it an example? Does it
present a counter argument? Locate specific words or cueing devices
in the paragraph that refer back to the thesis and remind the reader
of the main point to be developed. If cueing devices do not appear,
think about what material you might want to add.
Other questions to consider: Are there places in the paragraph that
seem to head in another, perhaps related, direction. If so, can these
sections be refocused or do you wish to modify the thesis to accommodate
a potential new direction?
In the space below, indicate the function of each paragraph in your
essay.
Paragraph #1 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #2 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #3 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #4 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #5 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #6 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #7 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #8 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #9 ___________________________________________________________
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Paragraph #10 ___________________________________________________________
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5. Having worked through the entire essay, note which areas of the
paper need modification or elaboration. Do you feel that the thesis
statement should be modified in any way? If so, what new cueing and
support would be needed?
Source:
Clark, Irene L. Writing in the Center. 3rd ed. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt,
1998.
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