How to Write an Outline

What is it? An outline is a general plan of the material that is to be presented in a speech or a paper. The outline shows the order of the various topics, the relative importance of each, and the relationship between the various parts. Order in an Outline There are many ways to arrange the different parts of a subject. Thesis Statement of Summarizing Sentence All outlines should begin with a thesis statement of summarizing sentence. Types of Outlines The two main types of outlines are the topic outline and the sentence outline. Rules for Outlining 1. Example: I. 2. Examples Topic Outline Choices in College and After Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work. I. A. 1. B. 1. II. A. III. A. Sentence Outline Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work. I. A. 1. B. 1. II. A. III. A.

Outline Sample Outline #2 Title: The Federalist Papers’ Influence on the Ratification of the Constitution Thesis: The Federalist Papers influenced the ratification of the Constitution by making some of their most important arguments, including the importance of being in a Union by having a Constitution, answering to the objections made by the Anti-federalists about separation of powers, and defending opposing arguments made against the characteristics of the executive and judicial branch as provided in the Constitution. I. Introduction a. b. II. a. b. III. a. b. A. IV. a. b. c. A. V. a. b. A. B. VI. a. b. c. VII. a. b. c. Approaching an Essay Question by Terry Hathaway on Prezi