Suggested Outline for

“Everyday Use” & "Top Man"

Compare & Contrast: Dee vs. Maggie or Osborn vs. Nace

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

II. Dee's character (trait #1)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

III. Maggie's character (trait #1)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation

IV. Dee's character (trait #2)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotatio

V. Maggie's character (trait #2)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

VII. Mama's view of her daughters (how does her view change and why does it matter?) Reflect on the epiphany

VII. Conclusion & Theme: What does Walker say through the comparison these two characters?

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

"Top Man"

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

II. Osborn's character (trait #1)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

III. Nace's character (trait #1)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation

IV. Osborn's character (trait #2)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotatio

V. Nace's character (trait #2)

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

VII. How Osborn changes. Reflect on the epiphany

VII. Conclusion & Theme: What does Ullman say through the comparison these two characters?

A. Topic Sentence

B. Context for the quotation

C. Quotation

D. Reflection (write 3 to 4 sentence reflecting on the meaning and significance of the quotation)

Sample Thesis Statements

In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker contrasts two sisters, Maggie and Dee, in order to reveal the complex significance of heritage.

Although Maggie and Dee from Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” appear to both value their heritage, in reality they see the concept in totally different ways.

In “Top Man,” James Ramsey Ullman juxtaposes Nace and Osborn as polar opposites in order to convey the importance of methodical thought and patience.