English 101: Essay #4 Outline Directions Basic Information on Formal Outlines Sometimes you may want to prepare a more

formal outline. You may even be asked to submit an outline with a writing assignment. Here are a few tips for creating outlines. Use Roman numerals (I., II., V.) for main topics in your outline. Beneath each of the main topics, use capital letters (A., B., C.) to list the information supporting each of the main topics. Then list each subtopic using Arabic numbers (1., 2., 3.). If you have small details that support the subtopics, use lowercase letters (a., b., c.). Most word-processing programs have automatic outline features that will indent and align topics and subtopics for you. I. Main Heading A. Supporting Information B. Supporting Information 1. Subtopic 2. Subtopic a. Small Details b. Small Details Make outline topics and subtopics parallel in structure. For example, if you use a complete sentence for the first topic, use complete sentences for all subsequent topics. If you use one word or a phrase for the first subtopic, use one word or a phrase for the following ones. Watch the logic of your outline. The main topics generally indicate the basic structure of your essay. The second level of your outline (A., B., C., and so on) covers the major ideas that contribute to and support the larger units. The next level of subtopics is for narrower points related to these ideas. Don't include irrelevant ideas in your outline. Make sure each element logically fits under its heading. Each topic and subtopic should have at least one related topic or subtopic. That is, you cannot have an I. without an II., or an A. without a B., and so on. Topics and subtopics are divisions of your subject, so you can't divide something into one part. If your outline shows single topics or subtopics, reevaluate to see whether you are misplacing or poorly stating your headings. Maybe the information should be worked into an existing larger category or divided into two topics or subtopics. Outline Format Directions

Organize and create a formal outline for your narrative. Please remember to only use ideas, topics and phrases. Complete sentences are only to be used where indicated. Remember, the outline is a framework, so I do not expect to see the entire essay written as the outline. Outline Format I. Introduction A. Attention Getting Device or Motivator (Background on you and/or the chosen topic) B. Thesis Statement* II. Body Paragraph 1 Topic A. Topic Sentence* 1. 1st Supporting Detail/Idea a. Description to be used b. Additional description 2. 2nd Supporting Detail/Idea 3. 3rd Supporting Detail/Idea B. Analysis* C. Link to thesis* III. Body Paragraph 2 Topic A. Topic Sentence* 1. 1st Supporting Detail/Idea 2. 2nd Supporting Detail/Idea 3. 3rd Supporting Detail/Idea B. Analysis* C. Link to thesis* IV. Body Paragraph 3 Topic

A. Topic Sentence* 1. 1st Supporting Detail/Idea 2. 2nd Supporting Detail/Idea 3. 3rd Supporting Detail/Idea B. Analysis* C. Link to thesis* V. (You will likely need more paragraphs. Please, follow the above pattern for formatting that information) VI. Counter Argument A. Opposing Viewpoint* B. Rebuttal* VII. Conclusion

A. Transitional Word or Phrase and Reworded Thesis Statement* B. Final Reflection on topic C. Clincher/Tie-back to Motivator

*Indicates the need for a complete sentence.