OWLS writing Lab (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/06) MAKING AN OUTLINE: What is it?

An outline is a general plan of the material that is to be presented a paper. The outline shows: 1. The order of the various topics 2. The relative importance of each 3. The relationship between the various parts. Order of the Outline There are many ways to arrange the different parts of a subject. A chronological arrangement works well but it may be written in emphatic order (placing your points in a logical order). The most common order in outlines is to go from introduce general material and then progress to more specific material. This means you begin with a general idea and then support it with specific examples. Thesis Statement All outlines should begin with a thesis statement. The thesis sentence presents them main idea of the paper. It must always be a complete, grammatical sentence, specific and brief, which expresses the point of view you are taking towards the subject. A thesis is a limited topic that expresses the authors attitude towards the limited topic. Example: Reckless driving could be avoided if drivers would stop trying to multitasking while on the road. Reckless driving would be the limited topic. The authors attitude is dangerous driving should be avoided or stopped (focusing especially on multitasking: talking on the phone, texting, makeup, eating, etc.) Types of Outlines The two main types of outlines are the topic outline and the sentence outline. In the topic outline, the headings are given in single words or brief phrases. In the sentence outline, all the headings are expressed in complete sentences.

Rules for Outlining

Subdivide topics by a system of numbers and letters. Example: Thesis Statement: I. Introduction II. First Body Paragraph/First Point A. Supporting Detail B. Supporting Detail C. Supporting Detail III. Second Body Paragraph/Second Point Each paragraph should have a point with relating support. Each paragraph should relate to your thesis statement to ensure your paper is coherent and unified. Be consistent. Do not mix up the two types of outlines. Use either whole sentences or brief phrases, but not both.

Sample of Paper Outline I) Thesis Statement: Describes the essays main theme and your purpose in writing the paper. It sometimes gives your reader clues to the organization of the paper. II) First main idea A) Detail 1) Support 2) Support B) Detail 1) Support 2) Support III) Second Main idea A) Detail 1) Support 2) Support B) Detail 1) Support 2) Support IV) Third Main Idea A) Detail 1) Support 2) Support B) Detail 1) Support 2) Support V) Conclusion