1. Producing an Amazing Research Outline
Step by step instructions for success 

2. Set up your Outline in MLA format
Note that you should have a header (your name, my name, period, date [day month year])
You also need a title (“outline” is okay)
Notice that it is SINGLE SPACED but still at 1 inch margins

3. Thesis First: Always! First, type the word “Thesis” and a colon “:”
Then, type your thesis.
Remember your thesis should have parallel structure & should only be 1-2 sentences!

4. Start with Roman Numeral One [ I ]
Roman numeral [ I ] is your first subtopic (reason).
Write a complete sentence including a transition

5. Then, letter “A”
Letter a is a SUBTOPIC of your SUBTOPIC (A reason for your reason)
Should also have a transition & should be a complete sentence.

6. ALL ROMAN NUMERALS AND CAPITAL LETTERS SHOULD BE
YOUR OWN WORDS!

7. Then, the number ‘1’ Numbers come from your NOTES
You need EVIDENCE to back up ALL your REASONS!
How many pieces per reason minimum?

8. Then, the number ‘1’
All numbers should have a parenthetical citation!

9. ALL NUMBERS COME FROM YOUR NOTES AND HAVE
A PARENTHETICAL CITATION!

10. Parenthetical Citations
Are derived from the Works Cited.
You take whatever is out in front
the author’s last name (McMillen
Shortened version of the title (“Year-Round”
add the paragraph or page number
a page number= # (“Year Round” 6)
a paragraph number = par. # (McMillen par. 6)

11. A Second letter “A”
After you finish with the evidence, you need a conclusion sentence for the subtopic, so you need a second letter A

12. Rinse and Repeat…well, just repeat.

13. Click on the sample outline w/notes for more information
Click on the outline template to begin your own outline