Creating an MCAS Long Composition Outline
Purpose: To practice writing a very detailed outline in preparation for next week’s MCAS test. (During the exam, I strongly suggest you use the first 20-30 minute session to make a detailed outline.)
Length: about a page, single spaced; don’t worry about outline format, but do provide a detailed map of your composition. Write out your thesis and topic sentences; bullet points/shorthand are okay for the rest, but be sure that I can follow your logic throughout. If you type this, please bring in a copy!
Worth: 20 points, scored using the MCAS scoring guide (6=20; 5=17; 4=13…)
Pick ONE of the following prompts (note that on the MCAS you won’t have a choice):
My Made-Up Prompt for the MCAS Long Composition
Often in works of literature, a character learns an important lesson.
From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character whose experiences are shaped by either family or fear. (Choose one!)
In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how he or she learns the lesson, and explain how the lesson is important to the work as a whole.
OR
The 2013 Prompt in your MCAS handouts
Often in works of literature, a character's traits can cause his or her downfall.
From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character who displays one of the traits listed below.
Pride, Greed, envy or selfishness
In a well-developed composition, identify the character, describe how this ONE trait causes the downfall of the character, and explain how the character's downfall is important to the work as a whole.
Brainstorm & pick a text: Think of a few texts that could work for the prompt, and choose the one that you feel you can write about the most convincingly and with the best recall. In general, it’s a good idea to pick a book you’ve studied in school (not Gossip Girls or Where the Sidewalk Ends).
Start Outlining: Basically, you want to stick with the 5+ paragraph essay (introduction, 3+ body paragraphs, conclusion). I have given you additional tips based on traits seen in high scoring essays. My examples refer to an essay written about the prompt of “leadership” in To Kill A Mockingbird. (How might I re-frame this outline to focus on family instead?)
INTRODUCTION: Plan an introduction strategy. Given that many MCAS prompts ask about a concept (“honor,” “leadership”) a definition of the term with examples can work well. Note how the TKM example lists typical qualities and actions associated with leaders. Also in your introduction, mention the title and author of the work.
End with your thesis. It should address all parts of the question: identify character, describe trait/event, explain how trait/event is important to whole work. It’s okay for your thesis to be a few sentences, e.g.: Throughout the novel, Atticus inspires and teaches, not only his children, but also the citizens of Maycomb. His actions teach both the characters and readers valuable morals and life lessons to follow and uphold.
(New Thesis: Throughout the novel, Atticus inspires his family even though he puts them at risk by exposing them to the ugliness of racism.)
BODY PARAGRAPHS: Plan a sequence of at least 3 body paragraphs, making sure that over the course of the composition, you address all parts of the prompt. Topic sentences should present statements that address the prompt and support your thesis. Put them in the best sequence. See TKM example:
Body ¶ 1: Atticus guides his most ardent follower, his son, Jem.
Body ¶ 2: Atticus protects his daughter, Scout, who also learns many lessons from her father.
Body ¶ 3: Atticus influences the people of Maycomb after the trial; his actions inspire his children but expose them to danger.
Conclusion: Atticus's principles teach everyone to be more tolerant and, even if it's hard to do, to be more brave and look racism in the eye.
For each body paragraph, come up with specific examples that you can use to develop your point and commentary that elaborates on your examples and develops your thesis. Try to avoid repeating yourself. Note how the model breaks down some of the qualities that make up leadership (nobility, heroism, influence, etc.) and considers Atticus’ effect on different characters and groups. This builds some complexity into the paper and helps to avoid the repetitive refrain, “this shows Atticus is a leader.” Obviously, since you won’t have the book during MCAS, you don’t need quotes.
See TKM example:
Body ¶ 1: how Jem learns from his father’s example of taking on a noble but doomed legal case
Body ¶ 2: how Scout is protected from inept teachers and cruel classmates while she develops an increasingly sophisticated understanding of her father’s heroism (from guns to powers in the courtroom)
Body ¶ 3: how the community is racist and ignorant and dangerous because of their racism. (Bob Ewell)
CONCLUSION: Restate your thesis (use different words). Summarize your points. Try to add a new twist on an idea you’ve mentioned before and relate your thesis to the work as a whole.
If you have time, write a body paragraph of your essay and bring that into class as well.