1. Outlining and Thesis Statements

2. Creating a Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the controlling statement of your paper.
It is a “promise” as to what your paper is going to be about.
There are many ways to write a thesis, but two of these ways will be discussed.

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

4. Using Outline Topics
Ex. Building an attractive and functional cabinet involves using the right tools, materials and procedures.

5. Poor Thesis Statement Women can be police officers, too.
Why is it poor?
The entire paper would have to be only about women becoming police officers.

6. Good Thesis Statement
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.

7. Poor Thesis Statement
There are many colors you can paint an antique car, but black is the most common.
Why is it poor?
The entire paper would have to be about painting the car black .

8. Good Thesis Statement
Restoring an antique car involves many steps, such as preparing the body, replacing worn or missing equipment, and painting the vehicle so it appears just as it did when it was first sold.

9. PRELIMINARY TOPIC OUTLINE
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. Third Major Supporting Topic

10. SAMPLE PRELIMINARY OUTLINE
Despite efforts to improve safety through rules and equipment changes, professional football is a violent game that causes many serious injuries.
A. Head injuries
1. statistical evidence (from National Football League)
2. quotation from medical doctor
3. example: Drew Bledsoe, Buffalo Bills quarterback, who has suffered multiple concussions
B. Shoulder and spinal injuries 1. 2. 3.
C. Knee injuries

11. SAMPLE PRELIMINARY OUTLINE (continued)
Despite efforts to improve safety through rules and equipment changes, professional football is a violent game that causes many serious injuries.
D. Safety Rule Changes
1. statistical evidence (from National Football League)
2. quotation from medical doctor
3. example: Drew Bledsoe, Buffalo Bills quarterback, who has suffered multiple concussions
E. Safety Equipment Changes 1. 2. 3.
F. Conclusion

12. Outlining and Notecards
The topic headings on your notecards should match the major topics in your outline.

13. Points to Remember:
The number of major topics is not fixed, though for a paper of 7-10 pages 5-7 major topics might be necessary.
The number of subtopics is not fixed, but NEVER fewer than two under a major topic.
Strive for consistency and balance in your outline. Major topics should be equal in weight, as should subtopics.
Your outline is only finished when your paper is finished.