SAMPLE OUTLINE
I. Introduction
A. (Attention Getter) Incident, Quotation, Rhetorical Question, Humor, Startling Statement, or References
to History, Audience, Self—which of these will work best for your speech?
B. (Build Interest) What is so awesome about this?
C. (Thesis Statement) This is the guiding light of your paper. Most of the time, you are given an essay
topic - in other words, what your essay should be about generally. Normally a topic will involve the
characters, themes, setting, etc. You should, in turn, create an argument for that topic. For example,
let's take the common prompt, “Write an essay about how either Tom, Daisy, or Jordan represents old
money in The Great Gatsby.” This essay assignment has the topic built in: it wants you to take one of
those characters and explain how their individual qualities tie them to the bigger abstract idea of the old
money class. But you still have to come up with the argument yourself. An argument is exactly what it
sounds like - it's a point that you're trying to make by using reason and evidence. There's an easy test for
figuring out whether you're working with an argument. Could someone argue the opposite of what
you're saying? Then yes, that's an argument. Otherwise, it's just a statement of fact. In our example
essay, let's say that we've decided to analyze Tom. It's tempting to use something like this as the
"argument": Tom's wealth and privilege show that he is part of the old money class. But could anyone
argue the opposite? Not at all - because this is a factual description, not a contentious statement. Instead,
an argument should make some kind of provocative, challengeable point: Tom Buchanan is an example
of Nick’s scathing depiction of the old money class as fearful and insecure despite enormous privilege.
Now that, someone could argue with! After all, Tom doesn't at first glance seem like he is fearful or
insecure.
D. (Preview Main Points) Have some fun! Create a motif that is present in transitions and the conclusion.
Maybe even tie it to that opening attention getter to bring it full circle with some extra flair.
Transition Statement: ___________________________

II. Body
A. ( 1st Main Point):
1. (Support):
2. (Support):
3. (Support):
Transition Statement: ____________________________
B. ( 2nd Main Point):
1. (Support):
2. (Support):
Transition Statement: This brings me to my THIRD AND FINAL point.
C. ( 3rd Main Point):
1. (Support):
2. (Support):
Transition Statement: ____________________________
III. Conclusion (at least four sentences)

A. Summarize the Central Idea—restate thesis and main points but not
exactly as you did in intro
B. Why is it important?
C. Use a powerful narrative if you have one. This is the best place to leave a lasting impression!
D. What do you want them to remember—remember your attention getter and motif and bring it full circle!