Handout 3
Begin Writing the Outline – starting with the Body (Step IV)
Step IV (Begin writing the outline)
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Always begin with the body of your speech first!
Using complete sentences, write/type your 2-5 main points (central ideas you want to present to your audience)
in outline format (I, II, III,…) (see Example A below)
When writing/typing your main points, be sure to include signposts and transitional statements/words (see
Example A below)
Using complete sentences, begin “plugging in” your research/supporting materials by writing/typing the
information as sub-points in outline format (A, B,…) (See Example B below)
If needed, using complete sentences, elaborate on research/supporting materials by writing/typing the
elaborated information as sub sub-points in outline format (1,2,…) (See main point III in Example B below)
ALWAYS paraphrase (reword) your research to avoid possible plagiarism BUT you still MUST cite your sources.
Example A.
I.
II.
III.
First, let’s begin by examining what breast cancer is.
Now that we know more about what breast cancer is, let’s examine the signs associated with breast cancer.
Finally, after learning about what breast cancer is and the signs associated with breast cancer, let’s look at
how this cancer is treated.
Example B.
I.
II.
III.
First, let’s begin by examining what breast cancer is.
a. According to the webpage titled “What Are the Key Statistics about Breast Cancer” on the American
Cancer website, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women.
b. Breast cancer, according to the “What is Breast Cancer” webpage on the BreastCancer.org website, states
that breast cancer is a mutation or abnormal growth of cells, resulting in tumors, located around the
breast.
c. Breast cancer usually forms in the milk ducts of the breast and begins with tumors, according to the
WebMD website on the “Understanding Breast Cancer - the Basics” webpage.
Now that we know more about what breast cancer is, let’s examine the signs associated with breast cancer.
a. …….....
b. …………
Finally, after learning about what breast cancer is and the signs associated with breast cancer, let’s look at
how this cancer is treated.
a. There are many treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic website on the “Breast Cancer Treatments”
webpage. These treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, clinical trials,
and other forms of medications.
b. According to the WebMd website, previously cited, if detected early, breast cancer is very treatable and
9 out of 10 women who have early and successful treatments continue to live normal lives after treatment.
c. According to the article titled “Use of chemotherapy plus a monoclonal antibody against HER2 for
metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses HER2” written by Slamon, Leyland-Jones, Shak, et al. found
in the March 15, 2001 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, treatments combined with
chemotherapy may increase chances of survival.
1. They discovered the HER2 gene is overexpressed and increases the likelihood of the growth of
tumors in 25-30% of breast cancer patients.
2. These researchers found that by using Trastuzumab, an antibody fused to the framework of the
human IgG, in addition to chemotherapy, it reduced the risk of death by 20%.
(***See website for outline template in Microsoft Word.)