One of the most common difficulties students experience while writing a paper is organization. After you have generated some ideas for your piece, you will want to create an outline. Use this information to create an outline for each of your essays before you write your initial draft. Remember that outlines are subject to change as the ideas in your essays evolve. Simply use the outline as a way to get you started.
At the end of each essay you submit in this course, you should include a page that includes your thesis statement and your finished outline. This way, your instructor will be able to view the progression of your writing.
Outlines will vary depending on the exact goal of the piece, but every outline ought to contain the following elements:
I. Introduction A. Interest-catcher that relates to your thesis B. Sentence that connects your interest-catcher to your thesis C. Your thesis, which identifies the topic and reveals the central claim you are making about the issue D. Overview of your main points (optional)
II. Several Body Paragraphs with Main Supporting Points (Remember that these should support the claim you’ve made in your thesis!) A. Topic sentence introducing the focus of the paragraph in some clear way B. Specific example(s), facts(s), story(ies) that support your point (When necessary, use properly cited quotes, paraphrases, or summaries.) C. Your explanation and analysis of example(s) D. Summative sentence
*Remember to provide transitions for your reader!
III. Body Paragraph(s) Discussing Opposition (This could also be addressed before your supporting points. There are other possibilities for organization, but it takes great care to make the flow of thoughts understandable to the reader, so we will just start with these.) A. Topic sentence identifying opposing viewpoint B. Explanation as to why you disagree C. Examples, facts, stories that support your reason for disagreement D. Summative sentence
*Remember transition(s).
IV. Conclusion A. Sums up what you talked about in your body paragraphs B. Reiterates your thesis in different words C. Drives home any final thoughts or call for action
Remember that this is just a rough guide, not a strict formula.
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