Formal Outlining Notes
Purpose of Outlining:
♦ Allows writers to organize ideas and support
♦ Discovers gaps and weaknesses in the research or essay
♦ Provides the framework for your writing
♦ Follows a logical structure
♦ Follows correct Outline Numbering and Lettering scheme*
*See back of this page for outline example with correct Outline Numbering
and Lettering scheme.
Remember: An outline reduces a large quantity of information to its bare
skeleton – just the main idea and key supports.
There are two types of outlines: a topic outline and a sentence outline.
Topic Outline
● Lists key points as ideas but has no complete thoughts
● Each entry begins with a capital letter but has no end
punctuation
Sentence Outline
● Cleary demonstrates links among points
● Punctuated appropriately because it is written in compete
sentences.
Assignment: After completing the Pre-writing and Mind Map for the short story
“On the Rainy River,” you will complete a formal outline for the argumentative
literary analysis. You will be writing a combination topic/sentence outline with
quotes for each piece of evidence (including page numbers) and complete
sentences where indicated. It should be typed and double-spaced with the
correct heading and paging according to your teacher’s instructions.
Outline Numbering and Lettering Scheme
Requirements:
*Do not have a I. without a II. or an A. without a B. and so on
*Create more detail in your outline by using sub-topics with 1., 2., etc. and
even more detail with lower case a., b., etc.
*Use complete sentences for main claim, sub-claim, and concluding
thought
*Use topics/phrases for other items
*If using borrowed material, always include author and pages in
order to earn credit.
I.
Introduction
A. Motivator (use a topic or phrase to describe what you will write about)
B. Transition to author and title
C. Main Claim - 1 sentence (Must be debatable, supportable, and
significant.)
II.
1st Sub-Claim/Topic
A. Topic Sentence that establishes first point/argument
B. Evidence (quotes, specific examples)
1. 1st piece of evidence
2. 2nd piece of evidence
3. 3rd piece of evidence
C. Concluding thought – Connect the point back to the main claim or
sub-claim (How does what you’ve just discussed prove your claim?)
III.
2nd Sub-Claim/Topic
A. Topic Sentence that establishes second point/argument
B. Evidence (quotes, specific examples)
1. 1st piece of evidence
2. 2nd piece of evidence
3. 3rd piece of evidence
C. Concluding thought – Connect the point back to the main claim or
sub-claim
IV. 3rd Sub-Claim/Topic
A. Topic Sentence that establishes third point/argument
B. Evidence (quotes, specific examples)
1. 1st piece of evidence
2. 2nd piece of evidence
3. 3rd piece of evidence
C. Concluding thought – Connect the point back to the main claim or
sub-claim
V.
Conclusion
A. Transitional Word or Phrase and Final Thought on Topic/Story
B. Reworded Main Claim (A & B are interchangeable)
C. Clincher