MLA Documentation Outlining

First Format I. Introduction A. hook (attention-getting device) B. introduce topic C. thesis statement II. First major topic A. first subtopic 1. first subdivision 2. second subdivision B. second subtopic C. third subtopic III. Second major topic IV. Conclusion

Second Format Thesis Statement A. First major supporting topic 1. specific examples, details 2. specific examples, details 3. specific examples, details B. Second major supporting topic C. Conclusion

Thesis Statement It is the controlling statement of the paper. It is a promise as to what the paper is going to be about. It should cover the main topics found in the outline. If the topic isn’t mentioned in the outline, it shouldn’t be in the thesis.

Thesis Statement Formula #1 A/an (evaluation, study, examination, review, outline, demonstration, explanation, presentation) of (topics in the outline) will (show, demonstrate, prove, highlight, explain) …….. (your controlling purpose). Example: A review of the tools, materials, and procedures needed will show that building a cabinet is not as difficult as one might expect.

Thesis Statement Formula #2 Compose a sentence that connects each of the outline topic headings in an effective manner. Example: Building an attractive and functional cabinet involves using the right tools, materials, and procedures.

Tips and Warnings For an 8-10 page paper, you typically need 5-7 topics. Topics need to be organized so that the ideas flow logically from one to the other. If you have a 1, you must have a 2. If you have an A, you must have a B. You can’t divide something into only one part. The outline should change as the paper changes since the outline shows the structure of the paper. Every topic should have multiple note cards. The outline isn’t finished until the paper is.

Right or Wrong? Thesis: Women can be police officers, too. WRONG!!! Why? The entire paper would have to be only about women becoming police officers.

Right or Wrong? Thesis: An examination of how someone becomes a police officer, the duties of those in law enforcement, and the new role of women in many law enforcement agencies will show how this field is changing. RIGHT!!! Why? It contains the outline topic headings and contains a controlling purpose.

Right or Wrong? Thesis: There are many colors you can paint an antique car, but black is most common. WRONG!!! Why? The entire paper would have to be about painting the car black.

Right or Wrong? Thesis: Restoring an antique car involves many steps, such as preparing the body, replacing worn or missing equipment, and painting the vehicle so that it appears just as it did when it was first sold. RIGHT!!! Why? It contains the outline topic headings and contains a controlling purpose.