Writing: Tell Me A Story 2023

Objective: In this lesson, I can: • Define the function and parts of a table of contents.

The table of contents needs not be simply a reader service, presented in a dull but functional manner. Today’s tables of contents are used to develop the theme both visually and through the words chosen to represent the various sections of the book (see the “Finding Your Theme” unit for more information on spin-off phrases). The table of contents can appear in any of a number of places. The most popular placement is on the endsheets. Some staffs have placed a general table of contents on the endsheet and introduced a more specific one on each division page. Books that can’t print on endsheets could include the table of contents on the title page or perhaps could design it as a module on one of the opening spreads. A table of contents should indicate the page on which each section begins. If the staff chooses to use spin-off phrases for each section, the table of contents also needs to provide the traditional name of the section. For example, if the theme is “The Power of One” and the spin off theme is “The Power of Competition” for sports, both should be included in the table of contents. Chronological books face a slightly different challenge in that their books are generally divided by seasons or months, but often include content from each of the traditional sections in each division. As a result, noting where the section for October begins does not help the reader understand where to look for coverage of the Key Club. For these staffs, placing a more specific table of contents on each division page becomes much more of a necessity and also makes the accuracy of the index even more important.

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y309015_aba_lh.p1.pdf Valor – St. Michael-Albertville High School

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The endsheet of St. Michael Albertville’s book presents the sections of the book, and the beginning page number of each section. The rest of the endsheet is devoted to theme presentation, additional quotes and on additional photo coverage not inside the book.

44 Lesson 9 TABLE OF

CONTENTS