FULL-SENTENCE OUTLINE FORMAT- FIVE PARAGRAGH ESSAY
Specific Purpose:
After reading my argument, my audience will know or understand (select know or
understand, not both and insert your subject and predicate here).
Introduction
I.
Lead/hook: Use an attention-grabbing opening to introduce your topic.
II.
Context of topic- provide any relevant background that your reader should understand about your
topic.
III.
Argument- Overview of your argument
IV.
Thesis: State your position on the argument
Body
I.
II.
First Claim: Write in complete sentences. Main Points are never questions, quotes, or information
that requires a source citation.
A. Evidence: Make sure your sentences wrap to the start of the sentence to maintain the outline
formatting as illustrated here.
1. Explanation: How much development you need depends upon your argument
2. Explanation: Outlining Rule: No 1 without a 2
a. Sub -point: How much development you need depends upon your argument
b. Sub-point: Outlining Rule: No A without a B
i. Sub-subpoint: How much development you need depends upon your
argument
ii. Sub-subpoint: Outlining Rule: No I without an ii
B. Evidence
1. Explanation
2. Explanation
a. Sub-point
b. Sub-point
i. Sub-subpoint
ii. Sub-subpoint
Second Claim: Make your main points clear by using parallel language when possible
A. Evidence
1. Explanation
2. Explanation
a. Sub-point
b. Sub-point
i. Sub-subpoint
ii. Sub-subpoint
B. Evidence
1. Explanation
2. Explanation
a. Subpoint
b. Subpoint
i. Sub-subpoint
ii. Sub-subpoint
III.
Counter Argument: No less than two claims, but no more than five claims
A. Rebuttal1. Evidence
2. Evidence
a. Explanation
b. Explanation
i. Subpoint
ii. Subpoint
B. Rebuttal
1. Evidence
2. Evidence
a. Explanation
b. Explanation
i. Subpoint
ii. Subpoint
Conclusion
I.
Summary: Paraphrase the thesis here in one single declarative statement.
II.
Restate main points
III. Call to Action/Clincher: Use one of the recommended techniques described in Introductions and
Conclusions
Works Cited page
Attach your Works Cited page to your full sentence outline
RULES OF OUTLINING
1.
Identify at least two claims and one counter claim
2.
Use Roman Numerals for main points; Capital Letters for subpoints; Arabic Numbers for sub-subpoints;
small letters for sub-sub-subpoints, and small roman numbers for sub-sub-sub-subpoints
3.
Show logical relationships of ideas through proper indentation
4.
Wrap-around sentences MUST indent to the point where the first word of the sentence starts
5.
Only one sentence per letter or number in an outline
6.
Rule of Division: Never have a 1 without a 2 or an A without a B.