Grade 9 Essay #7: Research essay based on The Odyssey. Outline

 

Do you know a real hero? We have just finished reading The Odyssey. In this epic poem, Odysseus, a fictional character, might be called a hero. Think of what one must do, or what basic characteristics one must possess to be called a hero.

 

The task for essay #7 is to do some basic research on a real person. The research can be culled from books, periodicals, the internet, and personal interviews. Decide on at least three facts that would prove that this individual should be considered a hero. Those facts might be deeds he/she has done; qualities this individual possesses.

 

The essay must include an annotated bibliography typed on a separate page.

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Think of tone: This essay should be written at the standard or conferential level, not sub-standard (with slang and over use of idioms), nor non-standard. Be precise. Be descriptive. If one follows this outline, the essay should be a good one.

 

I. Introduction:

            1. lead statement:________________________________________________

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            2. explain the lead:_______________________________________________

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            3. overview of the person/ a little background:_______________________­­­­__

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            4. thesis statement, who is the hero?:________________________________

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II. First reason supporting the thesis

            1. reason #1 why this person is a hero:_______________________________

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            2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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            3. elaboration/ tell a story, anecdote, use statistics, facts, quotes from/about this

person______________________________________________________________

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            4. commentary/  how do you react to this quote or point: ________________

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III. Second reason supporting the thesis

            1. reason #2 why this person is a hero:_______________________________

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            2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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            3. elaboration/ tell a story, anecdote, use statistics, facts, quotes from/about this

 person______________________________________________________________

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            4. commentary/  how do you react to this quote or point: ________________

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IV. Third reason supporting the thesis

            1. reason #3 why this person is a hero:_______________________________

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            2. supporting detail – explain fully the reason:_________________________

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            3. elaboration/ tell a story, anecdote, use statistics, facts, quotes from/about this

person______________________________________________________________

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            4. commentary/  how do you react to this quote or point: ________________

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IV. Conclusion

            1. restate the thesis in different words:______________________________
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            2. briefly restate points you made:__________________________________

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            3. make text-to-world/text-to-text/text-to-self connection: _______________

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            4. hook back to the lead statement:________________________________

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