1. General Rules and Reminders
Outlining
General Rules and Reminders

2. Purpose
The purpose of an outline is to structure the BODY of your paper. Do not outline your introduction or conclusion.
Your research question and thesis statement must be at the TOP of your outline. Every part of your outline must connect back to your thesis statement.

3. The Format, a three-level outline
Research Question
Thesis
Title
I. First Level (body thesis)
A. Second Level (evidence)
1. Third Level (further evidence or connection of evidence to body
thesis – ie: analysis)
B. Second Level
1. Third Level
2. Third Level
C. Second Level
II. First Level
A. Second Level
Every subordinate level must directly support the level above it.

4. Full Sentence Outlines
At the Roman numeral level of your outline (level one), you will have a full sentence
The Roman numeral levels of your outline are your body theses
These may or may not correspond to the paragraphs of your paper
You may have more paragraphs than Roman numerals this is because some body theses lend themselves to more than one paragraph of information

5. The only complete sentences you must have are your body theses and your thesis statement.
Your body theses must be an argument point. They also must have a DIRECT and CLEAR connection to your thesis.
Remember you are outlining the ARGUMENT POINTS of your paper not necessarily the paragraphs of your paper.
EACH ROMAN NUMERAL WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY EQUAL ONE PARAGRAPH.

6. On the back of your TRS number and answer these questions:
On the back of your thesis assignment number and answer these questions:
1. What am I trying to prove?
2. List the main argument points
3. What evidence do you have or need to back up these points?

7. Using Quotes:
As you organize your research think about how each quote supports your thesis.
If the entire quote is unnecessary in making your point, or only part of the quote is relevant to analysis JUST USE THAT SECTION.

8. Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow segment of the source. They must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author.
Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly.
Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

9. A Two-Level Outline
Sam Smith Teacher European Studies 1 November 2009 Evergreen versus Aloha Is Washington really the best place to live? The state of Washington is better than the state of Hawaii. I. Hawaii is called the Aloha State and while there is much to appreciate about the area, it is a difficult place to live. A. definition of Aloha (Smith, 34) B. positive attributes (there should be actual evidence here in your outline, ditto for all capital letters below) C. difficulties II. Washington has so much to offer and the mild temperature is very welcoming to exploring and adventure. A. physical features B. weather III. The global location and proximity of Washington is much more convenient for traveling than Hawaii. A. travel by car B. air travel

10. Sam Smith Teacher European Studies 1 November 2009 Jackie O, A New Era Question: Did Jackie Kennedy have a lasting impact on the role of the first family? Thesis: As a cultural icon, Jacqueline Kennedy redefined the traditionally public yet passive role of the First Lady by working to restore the White House Mansion and allowing the family to take precedence over pressing political issues. I. Jacqueline Kennedy changed the role of the First Lady. A. General Public Perception of First Lady Role B. How Jackie Changed the Role of the First Lady C. Jackie as the First Lady and a Cultural Icon II. Jackie Kennedy brought a beneficial restoration to the White House. A. Jackie’s Reasoning Behind the Restoration B. Jackie’s Actions to Restore the White House C. Results/Outcomes of Jackie’s Restoration of the White House III. Jackie viewed family as her first priority over many political Issues. A. Escaping the Celebrity Lifestyle B. Jackie’s Reasoning Behind the Importance of the Family

11. B – Broad
S – Specific
Si – Simple
C – Confusing
R – Report-like, make more interesting (but good idea)
A – Awkward (but good idea)
Check – pretty good
Sad face – no answer (no thesis)