Creating Your Outline I-Search ------------------- ---------------------

Introduction What is an outline ? An outline is an informal plan of what you are going to write. Making an outline is like drawing plans to build a house. Drawing up plans helps to make sure that a house is built the way you want. The same thing is true when you are writing a paper and making an outline.

Example Outline Here is an example of what a blank outline might look like: Paper Outline Introduction Hook Sentence: Brief Background or Plot Summary: Thesis: _____________________ Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________ Supporting Ideas and Details III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________ IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________ V. Conclusion

The Process Thesis Statement You should start with your thesis statement. The thesis statement acts as your guide throughout the process of writing your paper. Based on the thesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentences for the body paragraphs you want to include in the outline. PAPER OUTLINE Thesis Statement Topic Sentence #1 Topic Sentence #2 Topic Sentence #3

The Process Making an Outline In an outline, Roman numerals are often used to represent paragraphs. Capital letters are used to represent supporting details for the paragraphs. Click here to see a list of Roman numerals. Essay Outline I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________ II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________ IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________ V. Conclusion

The Process Topic Sentences The topic sentence of each body paragraph should help to support the thesis statement. They also need to agree with the main idea/sub-points named in the thesis statement; otherwise, the paper could be confusing.

The Process Topic Sentences Thesis Statement Topic Sentence Paragraph #1: Turning the lights out when leaving the room is an easy way to conserve energy. Thesis Statement Global warming is a serious issue in today’s society. There are several things that people can do to help stop global warming such as conserving energy, saving water, and walking or biking whenever possible. Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2: Using less water is pivotal in trying to stop global warming; taking a shorter shower helps to save gallons of water. Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3: By walking or riding a bike whenever possible people can drastically cut down on the amount of carbon monoxide released into the air by other modes of transportation.

The Process Supporting Details After writing the topic sentence for each paragraph, include some of the supporting details, examples, or ideas you want to appear in each paragraph.

The Process Supporting Details II. Body Paragraph #1: Topic Sentence: Turning the lights out when leaving the room is an easy way to conserve energy. A. Use fluorescent bulbs in your room. B. Turn of your computer or T.V. when you aren’t using them. C. Unplug chargers when they aren’t being used. supporting details, examples, and ideas

Example Outline A. Wait until you have a lot of clothes to wash before you use the machine. B. Wash your clothes in cold water because it uses less energy. C. Wait to run the dishwasher until it’s completely full. IV. Body Paragraph #3: Topic Sentence: By walking or riding a bike whenever possible people can drastically cut down on the amount of carbon monoxide released into the air by other modes of transportation. A. If you can’t walk to work try to carpool with co-workers. B. Driving hybrid or other fuel efficient cars helps to cut down on harmful emissions. C. If it’s available to you try to use public transportation as your main mode of travel. Conclusion: Don’t underestimate your part in helping to stop global warming. Introduction: Global warming is a serious issue in today’s society. There are several things that people can do to help stop global warming such as conserving energy, saving water, and walking or biking whenever possible. Body Paragraph #1: Topic Sentence: Turning the lights out when leaving the room is an easy way to conserve energy. A. Use fluorescent bulbs in your room. B. Turn of your computer or T.V. when you aren’t using them. C. Unplug chargers when they aren’t being used. III. Body Paragraph #2: Topic Sentence: Using less water is pivotal in trying to stop global warming; taking a shorter shower helps to save gallons of water.

Remember: Outlining helps plan out the course of your paper. It is a necessary step in staying organized.