Outline Flow Chart
TITLE
INTRODUCTION
The Introductory paragraph sets the tone for the paper and includes an attention getter, establishescredibility, and ends with a one sentence declarative thesis statement.
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Transition to BODY of speech
This is the last sentence of the Introductory
paragraph that leads the reader to the First Main Point.
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BODY
First Main Point
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
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Transition to Second Main Point
This is the last sentence of the First Main Point
paragraph that leads the reader to the Second Main Point.
The transition reminds the reader of the first
main point, and forecasts the second main point.
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Second Main Point
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
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Transition to Third Main Point (if applicable)
This is the last sentence of the Second Main Point
paragraph that leads the reader to the Third Main Point.
The transition reminds the reader of the second
main point, and forecasts the third main point.
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Third Main Point(if applicable)
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
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CONCLUSION
The last paragraph of your paper includes a restatement of
the Thesis, closing comments, and an CLINCHER
to conclude the paragraph.
using the Outline Flow Chart
(TITLE) A Touch of Blarney: My Self Concept and Cultural Roots
INTRODUCTION
The Introductory paragraph sets the tone for the paper and includes an attention getter, establishescredibility, and ends with a one sentence declarative thesis statementand is underlined. / The culture in my family, and my concept of who I am, are both based in the Irish roots and blue collar work my family has performed for generations. My ancestors came from Ireland in one of the many immigrant transports to find a new life in this country during a time of turmoil in Europe. The change from rural peasant to factory worker was dramatic. The “melting pot” philosophy demanded that they assimilate into the American culture and leave their Irish identity at the border (p. 38). These cultural rituals, as a result, became even more valued as a hedge against an uncertain future and a new country that threatened to fracture the understanding they had of themselves and their history. The practice of these rituals has had a profound impact on my self concept and cultural identification in two ways: a strong work ethic and a tradition of story telling through music.Transition to BODY of speech
This is the last sentence of the Introductory paragraph that leads the reader to the First Main Point. / Of these two, the strong work ethic has been the strongest influence on my concept of myself.
BODY
First Main Point-Sub point with supporting materials from text -Sub point with supporting materials from text / If the self concept is both my self identity and self esteem combined (p. 53), then my self concept has been largely influenced by my mother through the lessons she taught me concerning how to work and how to play. My earliest memories are those of my mother making sugar cookies in the shapes of animals. She would sprinkle them with colored dots of candy and then stop her never-ending work to eat them with me and my siblings. She woke each day early and began the first of many loads of laundry and family meals. My mother was a strict disciplinarian, making sure we understood our role in the family, and the responsibility to do our portion of the work around the house. Yet, she also taught us the importance of a realistic perspective towards work. The relationships built between family members are far more important than success outside the family unit. Understanding the work ethic involved both how to work and how to play. The relationships were also impacted by the stories told to perpetuate the culture of our Irish roots.
Transition to Second Main Point This is the last sentence of the First Main Point
paragraph that leads the reader to the Second Main Point.
The transition reminds the reader of the first main point, and forecasts the second main point. / While the work ethic taught by my mother was essential to who I am, the tradition of storytelling through music has also had a strong influence on my cultural identity.
Second Main Point
-Sub point with supporting materials from text
-Sub point with supporting materials from text / Storytelling through music is strong in the Irish culture. These stories include tales about our ancestors and the experiences that brought our family to this land. If, “culture teaches us how to perceive”(p. 86), then my perception of who I am is strongly rooted in the songs sung by my parents and extended family during holiday events. The repertoire of songs include many from the Armagh tradition and tell tales that influence our choices and behavior as a member of the cultural group.
CONCLUSION
The last paragraph of your paper is the CONCLUSION and includes a restatement ofthe Thesis, closing comments, and an CLINCHERto conclude the paragraph. / The concept I have of myself is bound up in a strong work ethic and storytelling through music. As I attempt to interpret how these two aspects of my culture have impacted my ability to communicate, I am struck with the importance of this familial identity and my desire to continue the traditions with my own children. If it is the role of culture to teach me how to relate to my world (p. 36), then my family has met the challenge and more. How I relate to those around me is directly related to the values handed down from my ancestors and their ability to continue their influence on our family even today.
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