74 Step 2: Discussion Activity: An Outline or Letter

After you’ve created your annotated bibliography, you’re now ready to begin planning your essay. Complete the following discussion activity as part of this plan.

Discussion 9B – Write an Outline or Letter Describing Your Essay

Write an outline for your paper, or, if you’re the type of writer who needs to create the outline after a draft of the paper is written, then write a detailed letter to your instructor or classmates describing your paper.

The outline or letter should include the following points:

• What is the main message of your paper (or thesis sentence)?
• What supporting points will you be bringing up?
• What are your strongest sources, and where will you be incorporating support from them?
• What ideas do you have for an interesting introduction and an effective conclusion? (Please review Introductions and Conclusions from Unit 1, if needed.)

For more information on creating an outline, see Outlining.