I. Introduction: be sure to include the author, title, and your thesis statement. Make your intro interesting and focused.

II. The Narrator’s character (trait #1)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

III. The Narrator’s Character (trait #2)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

IV. Narrator’s early view of Dee

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

V. Narrator’s view of Maggie

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

VI. Narrator’s Epiphany

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

VII. Mother’s new view of her daughters and herself

A. Topic Sentence

B. Specific Example or Quotation

C. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotations

VIII. Conclusion

A. Good decision?

B. Lessons Learned?

C. Author’s Message through the mother?

Sample Introduction and Thesis Statement

By the end of Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use,” the narrator makes a significant decision because she has begun to see herself and her daughters in a new light. She realizes the weakness of Dee, whom she had always favored, and the strength of Maggie, whom she had overlooked. This epiphany is the focus of the story, revealing the truth and essence of the three central characters.