English 9-3

The Miracle Worker Essay Outline

Prompt—Choose one of the following three:

• • • Analyze a dynamic character (one who changes) from the play.
    • • Define the character’s personality in as few words as possible.
      • How does he or she change?
      • What forces are at work in the transformation?
      • Where would you go in the play to defend your definition?

• • • Demonstrate the use of a particular symbol in the play.
    • • Choose one recurring symbol in the play (e.g.—light/darkness, dining table, napkin, water).
      • • What meaning(s) does it serve in the play?
        • Where would you go in the play to defend your thesis?

• • • Demonstrate the presence of a particular theme in the play.
    • • What is the play’s main idea?
      • What is the author saying to the reader "between the lines"?
      • What incidents or lines in the play would you use to defend your interpretation?

Outline

• • Introduction (1 paragraph)
  • • Attention grabber
    • Name author, title
    • Indicate focus of paper (character, theme, symbol)
    • Thesis statement

• • Body (1-2 paragraphs)
  • • Make detailed argument for the thesis
    • Contain at least one direct quotation
    • Cite with page number (Author page number).
    • Provide specific support from the text to support thesis.

• • Conclusion
  • • Restate thesis
    • Close with a personal reflection or discussion of the topic/focus of your work.

Each essay should have at least three paragraphs

and

use at least one direct quote from the play.

Verbs referring to textual events should be in present tense.

Paper should be written in third person. (he, she, it, they)

Your Topic:

Attention grabber:

Thesis:

Details to support your thesis: