11th grade essay outline

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• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples

How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

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Table of contents

Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.

At the stage where you’re writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.

Creating categories

Look over any information, quotes and ideas you’ve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essay—this will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.

Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If you’re writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period you’re discussing.

Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.

As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.

Order of information

When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.

Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.

Consider these questions to order your material:

• Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
• Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
• Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?

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Within each paragraph, you’ll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.

In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.

The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.

• Thesis statement
• First piece of evidence
• Second piece of evidence
• Summary/synthesis
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement

You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; don’t randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.

Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.

Argumentative essay outline

This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet’s impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internet’s effects on education.

• Importance of the internet
• Concerns about internet use
• Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
• Data exploring this effect
• Analysis indicating it is overstated
• Students’ reading levels over time
• Why this data is questionable
• Video media
• Interactive media
• Speed and simplicity of online research
• Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
• Evidence indicating its ubiquity
• Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
• Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
• Argument that it introduces students to citation
• Summary of key points
• Value of digital education for students
• Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet

Expository essay outline

This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.

The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.

• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
• Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
• Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
• Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
• Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
• Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
• Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
• Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
• Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
• Link to the Reformation.
• Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention.
• Describe Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
• Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
• Summarize the history described.
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.

Literary analysis essay outline

The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park .

The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.

• Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
• Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
• Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
• Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
• Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
• Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
• Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
• Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
• Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
• Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
• Answer the research question
• Indicate areas for further study

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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Essay Writing Guide

Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

A Complete Essay Outline - Guidelines and Format

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jan 15, 2019

To write an effective essay, you need to create a clear and well-organized essay outline. An essay outline will shape the essay’s entire content and determine how successful the essay will be.

In this blog post, we'll be going over the basics of essay outlines and provide a template for you to follow. We will also include a few examples so that you can get an idea about how these outlines look when they are put into practice.

Essay writing is not easy, but it becomes much easier with time, practice, and a detailed essay writing guide. Once you have developed your outline, everything else will come together more smoothly.

The key to success in any area is preparation - take the time now to develop a solid outline and then write your essays!

So, let’s get started!

On this Page

What is an Essay Outline?

An essay outline is your essay plan and a roadmap to essay writing. It is the structure of an essay you are about to write. It includes all the main points you have to discuss in each section along with the thesis statement.

Like every house has a map before it is constructed, the same is the importance of an essay outline. You can write an essay without crafting an outline, but you may miss essential information, and it is more time-consuming.

Once the outline is created, there is no chance of missing any important information. Also, it will help you to:

• Organize your thoughts and ideas.
• Understand the information flow.
• Never miss any crucial information or reference.
• Finish your work faster.

These are the reasons if someone asks you why an essay outline is needed. Now there are some points that must be kept in mind before proceeding to craft an essay outline.

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Prewriting Process of Essay Outline

Your teacher may ask you to submit your essay outline before your essay. Therefore, you must know the preliminary guidelines that are necessary before writing an essay outline.

Here are the guidelines:

• You must go through your assignments’ guidelines carefully.
• Understand the purpose of your assignment.
• Know your audience.
• Mark the important point while researching your topic data.
• Select the structure of your essay outline; whether you are going to use a decimal point bullet or a simple one.

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How to Write an Essay Outline in 4 Steps

Creating an essay outline is a crucial step in crafting a well-structured and organized piece of writing. Follow these four simple steps to create an effective outline:

Step 1: Understand the Topic

To begin, thoroughly grasp the essence of your essay topic. 

Break it down into its key components and identify the main ideas you want to convey. This step ensures you have a clear direction and focus for your essay.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Gather Ideas

Let your creativity flow and brainstorm ideas related to your topic. 

Jot down key pieces of information, arguments, and supporting evidence that will strengthen your essay's overall message. Consider different perspectives and potential counterarguments to make your essay well-rounded.

Step 3: Organize Your Thoughts

Now it's time to give structure to your ideas. 

Arrange your main points in a logical order, starting with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by body paragraphs that present your arguments. 

Finally, tie everything together with a compelling conclusion. Remember to use transitional phrases to create smooth transitions between sections.

Step 4: Add Depth with Subpoints

To add depth and clarity to your essay, incorporate subpoints under each main point. 

These subpoints provide more specific details, evidence, or examples that support your main ideas. They help to further strengthen your arguments and make your essay more convincing.

By following these four steps - you'll be well on your way to creating a clear and compelling essay outline.

Essay Outline Format

It is an easy way for you to write your thoughts in an organized manner. It may seem unnecessary and unimportant, but it is not.

It is one of the most crucial steps for essay writing as it shapes your entire essay and aids the writing process.

An essay outline consists of three main parts:

1. Introduction

The introduction body of your essay should be attention-grabbing. It should be written in such a manner that it attracts the reader’s interest. It should also provide background information about the topic for the readers.

You can use a dramatic tone to grab readers’ attention, but it should connect the audience to your thesis statement.

Here are some points without which your introduction paragraph is incomplete.

To attract the reader with the first few opening lines, we use a hook statement. It helps engage the reader and motivates them to read further. There are different types of hook sentences ranging from quotes, rhetorical questions to anecdotes and statistics, and much more.

Are you struggling to come up with an interesting hook? View these hook examples to get inspired!

A thesis statement is stated at the end of your introduction. It is the most important statement of your entire essay. It summarizes the purpose of the essay in one sentence.

The thesis statement tells the readers about the main theme of the essay, and it must be strong and clear. It holds the entire crux of your essay.

Need help creating a strong thesis statement? Check out this guide on thesis statements and learn to write a statement that perfectly captures your main argument!

2. Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an essay are where all the details and evidence come into play. This is where you dive deep into the argument, providing explanations and supporting your ideas with solid evidence. 

If you're writing a persuasive essay, these paragraphs will be the powerhouse that convinces your readers. Similarly, in an argumentative essay, your body paragraphs will work their magic to sway your audience to your side.

Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and no more than one idea. A topic sentence is the crux of the contents of your paragraph. It is essential to keep your reader interested in the essay.

The topic sentence is followed by the supporting points and opinions, which are then justified with strong evidence.

3. Conclusion

When it comes to wrapping up your essay, never underestimate the power of a strong conclusion. Just like the introduction and body paragraphs, the conclusion plays a vital role in providing a sense of closure to your topic. 

To craft an impactful conclusion, it's crucial to summarize the key points discussed in the introduction and body paragraphs. You want to remind your readers of the important information you shared earlier. But keep it concise and to the point. Short, powerful sentences will leave a lasting impression.

Remember, your conclusion shouldn't drag on. Instead, restate your thesis statement and the supporting points you mentioned earlier. And here's a pro tip: go the extra mile and suggest a course of action. It leaves your readers with something to ponder or reflect on.

5 Paragraph Essay Outline Structure

An outline is an essential part of the writing as it helps the writer stay focused. A typical 5 paragraph essay outline example is shown here. This includes:

• State the topic
• Thesis statement
• Introduction
• Explanation
• A conclusion that ties to the thesis
• Summary of the essay
• Restate the thesis statement

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Essay Outline Template

The outline of the essay is the skeleton that you will fill out with the content. Both outline and relevant content are important for a good essay. The content you will add to flesh out the outline should be credible, relevant, and interesting.

The outline structure for the essay is not complex or difficult. No matter which type of essay you write, you either use an alphanumeric structure or a decimal structure for the outline.

Below is an outline sample that you can easily follow for your essay.

Essay Outline Sample

Essay Outline Examples

An essay outline template should follow when you start writing the essay. Every writer should learn how to write an outline for every type of essay and research paper.

Essay outline 4th grade

Essay outline 5th grade

Essay outline high school

Essay outline college

Given below are essay outline examples for different types of essay writing.

Argumentative Essay Outline

An  argumentative essay  is a type of essay that shows both sides of the topic that you are exploring. The argument that presents the basis of the essay should be created by providing evidence and supporting details.

Persuasive Essay Outline

A  persuasive essay  is similar to an argumentative essay. Your job is to provide facts and details to create the argument. In a persuasive essay, you convince your readers of your point of view.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

A  compare and contrast essay  explains the similarities and differences between two things. While comparing, you should focus on the differences between two seemingly similar objects. While contrasting, you should focus on the similarities between two different objects.

Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay is written to share a story. Normally, a narrative essay is written from a personal point of view in an essay. The basic purpose of the narrative essay is to describe something creatively.

Expository Essay Outline

An  expository essay  is a type of essay that explains, analyzes, and illustrates something for the readers. An expository essay should be unbiased and entirely based on facts. Be sure to use academic resources for your research and cite your sources.

Analytical Essay Outline

An  analytical essay  is written to analyze the topic from a critical point of view. An analytical essay breaks down the content into different parts and explains the topic bit by bit.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

A rhetorical essay is written to examine the writer or artist’s work and develop a great essay. It also includes the discussion.

Cause and Effect Essay Outline

A  cause and effect essay  describes why something happens and examines the consequences of an occurrence or phenomenon. It is also a type of expository essay.

Informative Essay Outline

An  informative essay  is written to inform the audience about different objects, concepts, people, issues, etc.

The main purpose is to respond to the question with a detailed explanation and inform the target audience about the topic.

Synthesis Essay Outline

A  synthesis essay  requires the writer to describe a certain unique viewpoint about the issue or topic. Create a claim about the topic and use different sources and information to prove it.

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

A  literary analysis essay  is written to analyze and examine a novel, book, play, or any other piece of literature. The writer analyzes the different devices such as the ideas, characters, plot, theme, tone, etc., to deliver his message.

Definition Essay Outline

A  definition essay  requires students to pick a particular concept, term, or idea and define it in their own words and according to their understanding.

Descriptive Essay Outline

A  descriptive essay  is a type of essay written to describe a person, place, object, or event. The writer must describe the topic so that the reader can visualize it using their five senses.

Evaluation Essay Outline

Problem Solution Essay Outline

In a problem-solution essay, you are given a problem as a topic and you have to suggest multiple solutions on it.

Scholarship Essay Outline

A  scholarship essay  is required at the time of admission when you are applying for a scholarship. Scholarship essays must be written in a way that should stand alone to help you get a scholarship.

Reflective Essay Outline

A reflective essay  is written to express your own thoughts and point of view regarding a specific topic.

Getting started on your essay? Give this comprehensive essay writing guide a read to make sure you write an effective essay!

With this complete guide, now you understand how to create an outline for your essay successfully. However, if you still can’t write an effective essay, then the best option is to consult a professional academic writing service.

Essay writing is a dull and boring task for some people. So why not get some help instead of wasting your time and effort?  5StarEssays.com is here to help you. All your  do my essay for me  requests are managed by professional essay writers.

Place your order now, and our team of expert academic writers will help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of outlines.

Here are the three types of essay outline;

• Working outline
• Speaking outline
• Full-sentence outline

All three types are different from each other and are used for different purposes.

What does a full-sentence outline look like?

A full sentence outline contains full sentences at each level of the essay’s outline. It is similar to an alphanumeric outline and it is a commonly used essay outline.

What is a traditional outline format?

A traditional essay outline begins with writing down all the important points in one place and listing them down and adding sub-topics to them. Besides, it will also include evidence and proof that you will use to back your arguments.

What is the benefit of using a traditional outline format and an informal outline format?

A traditional outline format helps the students in listing down all the important details in one palace while an informal outline will help you coming up with new ideas and highlighting important points

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

11th - 12th Grade Writing

For eleventh and twelfth graders, this Common Core area helps students gain mastery of writing skills by working collaboratively and producing written texts, understanding syntax and vocabulary, and organizing their ideas. Among the complete standards for this grade, eleventh and twelfth graders will be asked to: support the claims of their arguments with evidence, valid reasoning, and credible sources and support it with an understand of relationships between claims and counterclaims, use a formal style when writing within the norms and conventions of the discipline, be able to develop the topic of a work with details, facts, definitions, and quotations, employ formatting, graphics, and multimedia to present information in the written medium, develop a writing topic with relevant facts, definitions, and concrete details, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work with attention to purpose and audience, use appropriate technology to publish writing and to collaborate on written projects with use of linking technology to demonstrate correlations between sources or related material, demonstrate keyboarding skill, go through the process of writing, editing and revision for their written work, conduct short research projects to answer a question, begin to understand the relationship of material to their source work such as the way that Shakespeare might draw on themes from Ovid, quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of supporting texts while avoiding plagiarism and over-reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation, use evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

This activity helps students develop a strong thesis statement for their essays by providing practice writing sample statements.

How to Write an Introduction: Bridge Building Activity

This activity is designed to help students learn about writing introductions through a fun bridge building activity to join the lead noun card and thesis statement card.

Paragraph: Proofing and Editing

Use this “Printable Writing Worksheet” to help get in the routine of proofing and editing.

Write a Conclusion: Voting

A strongly written conclusion can sway a reader one way or another. When writing persuasive articles it is important that you restate your thesis and give strong supporting ideas. The conclusion is the last chance you will have to sway your readers. This free printable worksheet is perfect for students to practice writing conclusions.

Teach, Learn, Every Day, No Excuses

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In This Section

11th grade writing samples, writing in eleventh grade.

Intro Paragraph

Eleventh Grade Persuasive Essay Prompt

Eleventh Grade Persuasive Writing Sample 1 (High)

Eleventh Grade Persuasive Writing Sample 2 (Medium)

Eleventh Grade Persuasive Writing Sample 3 (Low)

Eleventh Grade The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Prompt and Explanation

Eleventh Grade The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay (High)

Eleventh Grade the Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay (Medium)

Eleventh Grade Research Report

Teaching Sam and Scout

Teaching, Motherhood, and Life In-Between

AP Language and Composition/ 11th Grade English: What I Teach

July 22, 2014

Welcome Back to Teaching Tuesday!

Today is the third edition of “What I Teach,” and I’m sharing my full course outline for 11th Grade: AP Language and Composition/American Literature.

If you missed them, check out “What I Teach: Ninth Grade English” + background info on my courses in general here AND “What I Teach: Tenth Grade English” here .

Eleventh grade is different from ninth and tenth grade because it is heavily guided by the College Board/ AP Curriculum and intended to prepare students for the AP Language and Composition Exam in May. (A passing grade on the three-hour exam can earn students a semester’s worth of English credit in college.)  Since most students come in to 11th grade with little to no experience with rhetoric (the primary focus of the Language and Composition course), we have to work very hard and squeeze A LOT in.  I am lucky enough to have the same group for 9th, 10th,  and  11th grade, so I’m trying to change this, but I still think we have to work twice as hard junior year.

In addition, due to the county curriculum and the AP Literature course offered in 12th grade, I still feel an obligation to introduce students to some major works of American Lit in eleventh grade too.  However, because of time constraints, they do about 95% of their literature study outside of class.  I usually provide optional study guides to help students as they read and then assess their comprehension in no more than two or three class periods through a socratic seminar and in-class essay.  It is a big change for most students, but it works well. In fact, most of them tell me at the end of the year that they really  prefer  this technique.

This will be only my third year teaching this course, and – honestly – it is still a work in progress for me (it always is, really).   Here’s my tentative plan for AP English 11 2014 – 2015  (heavily influenced by this teacher’s website ):

Any other AP Language and Composition teachers out there?!?  I’d love to hear how you structure your class!  This is still relatively new to me and I’m tweaking every year…

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July 23, 2014 at 12:06 AM

Not Lang, but Lit. However, I want to incorporate more Lang into my Honors English 11 Class, so I am very interested. I would love to hear more.

July 23, 2014 at 1:14 AM

I teach 11th grade but not english, science! I took AP Lang my junior year though, and Lit my senior year. Loved them both! Those AP tests can be killer though.

July 25, 2014 at 1:51 AM

I have taught AP Language and Comp for seven years and it has become my favorite course, although at first I felt completely overwhelmed. It was so very different from any literature-focused course I had ever taught–or taken!–and it was a bit like learning a foreign language the first few years. I start with the basics of argument and rhetoric, learning the new terms and at the same time introduce them to close-reading for style (anaphora, etc) rather than literary elements. I organize my year using eight major rhetorical modes: after argument we do narration, then definition, description, exemplification, compare/contrast, cause & effect, process analysis, what am I missing? Oh, close reading or text analysis. Each one takes about 2-3 weeks. We read essays organized along that mode, then we write an essay in that mode. By March/April they are learning to combine modes in one essay and to choose which is effective for which writing purposes. We do plenty of practice for the exam, and read one full-length work a month (i.e. Tracy Kidder’s Mountains Beyond Mountains), mostly outside of school. Like you, I am always looking for new resources and ideas!

August 31, 2017 at 4:36 PM

I am teaching AP Lang for the first time. I would be ever so grateful if you could share some activities, unit plans, and lesson plans with me. My principal is giving me 2 weeks to get something together. HELP!!!

August 6, 2014 at 2:57 PM

I teach AP Lang and I enjoy it. One thing I am going to do this year at the suggestion of last year’s students is start MC even earlier this year. Normally I start it in November and I give practice tests in chunks under time. One thing I do is I handout a MC analysis chart that I have the students fill out to track their progress or regress. The list the number of questions, number right, number wrong, number guessed and then they calculate their percentage since the goal is to get 50% or more correct. This really helps them see how they are doing and they seem to like it.

December 23, 2014 at 8:53 PM

Lisette, Hello. I was just reading your post about MC and how you have your students track it. This is my first year teaching AP Lang, and I am to say the least overwhelmed. I am interested in viewing the MC analysis chart you created for your students. Would you mind sending me a copy of it?

January 12, 2015 at 12:33 AM

I am also interested in the MC analysis chart. If you are willing, I would love to receive a copy. You would be credited, of course.

June 15, 2015 at 6:30 PM

I was reading your post and I am extremely interested in your MC tracker. I have taught 8th grade ELA for six years but my principal is now moving me up to English III AP. Would you please be able to help me out with any reference(s) or any helpful tips about the AP exam. Thank you in advance and I hope to hear from you.

July 11, 2016 at 6:50 PM

Lisette, I know that this is an old post , but could you share your AP m/c tracker? Thanks!

August 24, 2016 at 4:04 PM

Much like many of the other posters, I too am a new AP Lang. teacher this year. I would love a copy of your MC tracker!

July 14, 2017 at 12:23 PM

I, too, am teaching this class. Would you please share your MC chart with me? Thank you for sharing your experience.

August 6, 2014 at 5:08 PM

I sent it to you. Did you get it?

April 12, 2015 at 9:36 AM

I too would love to see the MC chart!! Thanks for sharing! D

August 2, 2016 at 11:34 PM

Wow! Everyone is interested and loving this MC chart! I am also teaching AP Lang for the first time this year, and would love to see it as well. How exciting to have so many teachers interested in your work!

Thanks so much, Emily R

August 22, 2016 at 1:14 PM

Hi Lisette, Would you send it to me too, please? I am teaching Lang. for the first time this year.

September 5, 2016 at 5:46 PM

Hi Lisette! I found your info. and thought I’d ask for your assistance. This is my first year teaching high school and I am looking for a good way to structure my English 11 class, which focuses on American Lit as well as 9th grade ELA. My background is in middle school ELA and I really want to be organized, but not spend hours on end grading, staying organized, and planning. Any tips, materials, or products you’d suggest. Also what website maker do you use for your students and parents?

Urban & ESL ELA Organization Seeker

August 31, 2017 at 4:39 PM

I would love a copy of the analysis as well. I need all the help I can get.

May 20, 2020 at 10:52 AM

Hi, Lisette! Next year will be my first year teaching AP 11th, and I would also love a copy of your MC tracker! I would be so grateful for that and any other resources you would feel comfortable sharing! Thanks so much!

May 25, 2015 at 9:48 PM

I would love to see the MC Chart also. Thank you for sharing as I am just starting on the AP journey with my students.

July 10, 2015 at 7:20 AM

I, too, would love a copy of your MC chart. If you would be so kind as to send it to me, I would appreciate it. Thank you!

July 23, 2015 at 8:10 PM

I am new to teaching AP Lang and would love to receive a copy of your MC chart. Thank you in advance! Melissa

August 9, 2015 at 12:58 PM

I am also a new teacher of AP Language and I would love a copy of your MC chart. Thank you all for posting and sharing wonderful ideas!

October 12, 2015 at 7:35 PM

New to AP would love all the help I can get…thanks

June 16, 2016 at 6:07 PM

I would love any help you could give, thank you for your write up 🙂 I will be teaching AP Lang this year and would love it if you could send me the chart too. Thank you!

August 19, 2016 at 4:48 PM

HI! New to AP Lang this year. I need all the help I can get! Would you mind sending a copy of the chart my way?

February 6, 2017 at 3:44 AM

I think this simplified form of Annual Outline is super – most are so cluttered with details, it is hard to follow. Where do you ladies get your M/C questions from? All the writing prompts, from over the years appear on the CB website, but where do you scour the M/C questions from?

August 4, 2017 at 5:38 PM

I would love to have your chart – thank you!

October 31, 2017 at 11:11 AM

I would love to have the chart myself. I was assigned the class late after many schedule changes. Thanks!!

January 17, 2019 at 1:01 PM

I would love a copy of the MC chart, as I am new to AP Lang.

August 5, 2020 at 1:39 PM

Hi. This is my first year teaching AP English 11/12! I am just shy of hyperventilating!! Could you please send me a copy of the MC chart as well? My focus before was Reading Comprehension-this is a whole new ball game!

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11th-12th grade informative writing rubric

Offer 11th-12th Grade students a structure for informative writing with this standards-aligned rubric developed by educators for Feedback Studio.

Offer 11th-12th grade students a standards-aligned structure for argumentative writing with this educator-developed rubric.

Rubric suitable for formative and summative assignments with tasks involving the explanation of a topic. Use this rubric when asking students to explain information about a topic, to compare and contrast features, to discuss the benefits and limitations of something, etc. Consider using the 9th-12th Grade Informative QuickMark set with this rubric. These drag-and-drop comments were tailor-made by veteran educators to give actionable, formative feedback directly to students. While they were explicitly aligned to this particular rubric, you can edit or add your own content to any QuickMark. This rubric is available and ready to use in your Feedback Studio account. However, if you would like to customize its criteria, you can "Duplicate this rubric" in your Feedback Studio account and then edit the rubric as needed. Or, you can download this .rbc file and then import to your account to begin editing the content.

Introduction : Curriculum Components

Writing: Skills-Based Writing Instruction

• Routines: Instruction
• For All Learners : Access

Unit 1: Identity

• Unit 2: Personality
• Unit 3: Society and its Structure
• Unit 4: Otherness
• Unit 5: Challenging Truths/Coming-of-Age
• Unit 6: Establishing Truths/Coming-of-Age
• Unit 1: The Quest
• Unit 2: The Unlikely Hero
• Unit 3: Dystopia
• Unit 4: The Anti-Hero
• Unit 5: The Monster
• Unit 6: The Tragic Hero

Unit 1: The Contemporary American Experience

• Unit 2: The Creation of the American
• Unit 3: The American and the Changing Landscape
• Unit 4: The Reawakening of the American
• ELA Regents: Resources
• ELA Regents: Multiple Choice
• ELA Regents: Writing from Sources Essay
• ELA Regents : Text Analysis Essay
• Find Resources

The Contemporary American Experience

In this unit, students will unpack the American experience in contemporary literature in order to make connections between the characters they read about and their own experiences.  Students will use Literary Abstracts to practice composing  literary analysis,  unpacking the four levels of Exploding Analysis in writing. Students will use their understanding of the American experience identified in this unit and apply it to the year-long sequence following this introductory unit. 

Unit Outline

Unit plans see 2 items hide 2 items.

The American Experience Archive

Full Unit Plan with Resources : The Contemporary American Experience Unit Plan

Teacher Feedback

Please comment below with questions, feedback, suggestions, or descriptions of your experience using this resource with students.

Identity Archive

Full Unit Plan with Resources : Unit One Plan Revised for Blended Instruction

Text Types and Purposes Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Text Types and Purposes Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 9/10 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

Text Types and Purposes Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply grade 11/12 Reading standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.

Unit Assessments See 3 items Hide 3 items

Unit Assessment : Literary Analysis Essay for the Contemporary American Experience

Unit Assessment : Literary Analysis Skills Based Rubric

Unit Assessment : Reading Circles for the Contemporary American Experience

Exploring the Theme See 4 items Hide 4 items

Exploring the Theme : Analyzing the American Experience and Making Connections

Exploring the Theme : Thematic Essential Questions for the American Experience

Exploring the Theme : 11th Grade Text List

Exploring the Theme : Accessible Analyzing the American Experience and Making Connections

Developing Skills See 8 items Hide 8 items

Getting Started

Baseline Assessment: 11th Grade ELA Baseline Assessment

Developing Skills: What are Literary Abstracts?

Developing Skills: Exploding Analysis

Developing Skills: Literary Abstract Formative Assessment

Developing Skills: The Literary Techniques Diagram

Sentences : Expanding Sentences

Coherence : Building Coherent Paragraphs

Weekly Learning Plans See 3 items Hide 3 items

Weekly Learning Plan: Week 1 Learning Plan

Weekly Learning Plan: Week 2 Learning Plan

Weekly Learning Plan: Week 3 Learning Plan

Argumentative Essay Outline

• Word Document File

Also included in

Description

Simple Argumentative Essay Outline for high schoolers. Uses the ACE paragraph as "building blocks" for the body paragraphs.

Questions & Answers

11th grade english resources.

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Argumentative Writing - Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Outlines

All three can be used in the same class--with either you assigning different organizers to different students per their needs, or students choosing an outline for themselves. Use these as a checkpoint in writing, or as an assessment for student understanding of each argumentative element.

Basic Outline: Use this essay outline template for students who either do not need much support in writing a comprehensive argumentative essay and need only to jot down ideas, or students who should just focus on Claim-Reason-Evidence for this round as a scaffolded step. The claim should be an opinion or something that other people could reasonably disagree with. Reasons should each be different ideas that supports their claim, and evidence should be facts -- either found through research or commonly known.

Intermediate Outline: This outline is similar to the Basic outline, but pushes students to explain what their evidence proves or suggests (reasoning). It also pushes them one step further to preview their points in their claim. Use this outline for students who need to organize their thinking and improve flow in their argument, or for students to brainstorm and outline their essay. It can also be used for ELL students, as the sentence stems can be very helpful in constructing their sentences. This outline is also especially useful for students who are struggling to add reasoning to their writing.

Advanced Outline: This is an outline for more advanced students who could benefit from the push to add more evidence for each reason and more thoroughly explain how their evidence supports their claim. It also includes a paragraph for the counterargument, which you could have students teach themselves from this outline or include as part of your counterargument lesson.

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