Creating an Outline
EQ: How do I create an outline for a research essay?
Let’s review:
What’s a thesis statement?

What is a thesis?
◦ the main idea of your paper: summed up in
one sentence.
◦ the argument, angle or perspective you will
need to support (or prove) with the
◦ must be included as the last sentence in the
introduction to your research paper or
project.
◦ Must have parallel structure and give an
outline for your essay
So, why do you need to use an
outline?
Organizing your thoughts is important because nobody
likes to sort through a confused and confusing jumble of
words and sentences!
Topic outline or Sentence outline

The topic outline consists of short
phrases.
◦ useful when you are dealing variety of
arrangement

The sentence outline is done in full
sentences.
◦ Focuses on complex details
◦ sentences are used as the details
◦ Helps you from creating additional outlines
Topic Outline
Brain Break!
Step 1: Identify the topic
(thesis)
Sample Thesis: President Barack Obama has
made an impact on American society
through the failing healthcare policy, the
increasing tax debt and by issuing federal
educational standards.
What three issues will be discussed in this
paper?
increasing tax debt
failing healthcare policy
issuing federal educational standards
What are you trying to prove?
Step 2: Identify the main
categories (Break your
thesis into different points)
The failing healthcare policy
The increasing tax debt
By issuing federal educational
standards
This is
what you
will look
for when
you start
your
research!
Step 3: Start your Outline (Place
your information into an outline format)
Introduction
I.
A. Hook (idea, statistic, etc.) to entice
reader
B. Broad focus—possibilities of topics
C. Definition of any important terms
D. Thesis sentence
Body
II.
A.
First idea listed in your thesis, used
with a transition
1. Reason/evidence/example/research
2. Reason/evidence/example/research
3. Reason/evidence/example/research
4. Reason/evidence/example/research
5. Conclusion, leading to next idea
B.
Second idea listed in your thesis,
used with a transition
1. Reason/evidence/example/research
2. Reason/evidence/example/research
3. Reason/evidence/example/research
4. Reason/evidence/example/research
5. Conclusion, leading to next idea
C. Third idea listed in your thesis, used with a
transition
1. Reason/evidence/example/research
2. Reason/evidence/example/research
3. Reason/evidence/example/research
4. Reason/evidence/example/research
5. Conclusion, leading to thought
III. Conclusion
A. Concluding Statement (restatement of
thesis)
B. Summary of findings
C. End with new final thought
See
Sheet!
Let’s create an outline together!
Sample Thesis: Child abuse will
influence a person emotionally,
physically, and mentally.
I.
Introduction
A. Hook (idea, statistic, etc.) to entice reader
B. Broad focus—possibilities of topics
C. Definition of any important terms
D. Thesis sentence
I.
Introduction
A. 50% of teens have
been affected by child
abuse
B. Ways in which people
can be “damaged”
C. Child abuse definition
D. Child abuse will
influence a person
emotionally, physically,
and mentally.
Child abuse will influence a person
emotionally, physically, and mentally.
II. Body
II. Body
A.
First idea listed in your
thesis, used with a
transition
1.Reason/evidence/example/
research
2.Reason/evidence/example/
research
3.Reason/evidence/example/
research
4.Reason/evidence/example/
research
5. Conclusion, leading to
next idea
B. ___________...
A. Emotional abuse
1. attacks a child’s perception of himself
2. 90% of all emotionally traumatized patients were abused
as children
3. Causes a child to withdraw from peers
4. Creates self-doubt in future
5. story of child locked in closet
B. Physically
1. _____
2. _____
3. _____
4. _____
5. _____
C. Mentally
1. _____
2. _____
3. _____
4. _____
5. _____
Child abuse will influence a person
emotionally, physically, and mentally.
III. Conclusion
A. Concluding Statement
B. Summary of findings
C. End with new final thought
III. Conclusion
A. Although child abuse may
be overlooked, it is the
leading cause of mental,
emotional, and physical
instability in adults.
B.
Multiple child households,
lower SES, high school
drop-outs
C. Child abuse will continue
to affect society unless
we open our eyes to this
epidemic.
Brain Break!
Students will get
into groups with
same essays. In
the group, you
will create an
outline for the
assigned reading.
Choose one group
to present finished
product to the
class.
Pass out essays
and students will
complete
outlines
independently.
Personal Practice
Read the article given to you.You will need to create
a short outline based on the information required on
the worksheet.You will review this TO your
classmates.
Create an outline on your own
using your thesis statement.
Self Practice—Worksheet
Any Questions?
Your “working outline” needs to be completed
before leaving class today.