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Writing about texts. Try sketching a brief outline of the text. What is a brief outline?. X-ray of the text Reveals the skeleton beneath the words. What’s it all about?. Pay attention to: the THESIS (central idea) Usually in the introduction the first or second paragraph
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Writing about texts Try sketching a brief outline of the text
What is a brief outline? • X-ray of the text • Reveals the skeleton beneath the words
What’s it all about? • Pay attention to: • the THESIS (central idea) • Usually in the introduction • the first or second paragraph • the TOPIC sentences • Usually found at the start of most paragraphs • Announce a shift to a new topic
Making the outline: Put the author’s thesis and key points in your own words
OUTLINE OF “ONE LUNCH AT A TIME” Thesis: The United States should help fund worldwide school lunch programs for poor children. • The program would have significant benefits. • It would fed hungry children and boost school attendance.
I. Benefits (con’t.) • Education leads to increased economic self-sufficiency, and when girls are educated they tend to have fewer children. • U.S. farmers would benefit by selling food surpluses to the government, and our food processors and shippers would earn money as well.
The program is workable • A similar program has been successful in the United States. • Costs of the program would be reasonable. • Other wealthy countries and charities could share the costs.
Now it’s your turn • Select an article from those that are available. • Read the article underlining and making notes as you read. • Reread the article – are there more key ideas? Annotate them also. • Reread again for clarity and understanding.