Portfolio File #5: WRITING AN OUTLINE FROM A COMPLETE ESSAY
When writing an outline, you ONLY WRITE SHORT PHRASES that convey the overall idea in each section.
Complete the sample below with the information from essay sample #3 mentioned in the CPS video as
Activity 2. Do not include connectors at this point.
Hook
Introduction
Background (2 causes
of the main problem)
Thesis Statement
(Main problem + 2 sub-
problems)
Problem 1
Supporting evidence
Body paragraph 1
(Example, author’s
opinion, statistics,
reports)
Solution 1
(Who, What, How)
Resulting sentence
Problem 2
Supporting evidence
Body paragraph 2
(Example, author’s opinion,
statistics, reports)
Solution 2
(Who, What, How)
Resulting sentence
Problem 3
Supporting evidence
Body paragraph 3
(Example, author’s opinion,
statistics, reports)
Solution 3
(Who, What, How)
Resulting sentence
Free trade has become a common commercial strategy to improve the
economy.
The United States Census Bureau claimed to be in disadvantage in relation to
China in 2015.
How free trade markets have impacted national markets: local jobs, polarization
and environmental issues.
Thousands of americans are losing their jobs
NAFTA is affecting labor policies, companies are moving to China and Mexico,
and factories have been closed.
Who: The United States Department of labor (DOL).
What: To protect and promote local jobs.
How:By establishing a policy of tax reduction based on the amount of local
citizens employed
The United States Department of labor (DOL) should protect and promote local
jobs in cities where major industries are present by establishing a policy of tax
reduction bases on the amount of locar citizens employed.
The political polarization that free trade has generated.
According to David Trilling from the Journalist´s Resource, the concentration of economic
activities in countries like Mexico has encouraged division among American politicians towards
this topic.
Who: The US Congress
What: Establishes a legislative committee involves both parties
How: Reach a consensus that attempts to benefit everyone.
The US congress establishes a legislative committee that involves both parties in order to reach
a consensus that attempts to benefit everyone.
Free Trade Agreements have a negative impact in the environment.
Started by The Global Development of Environmental of Environmental Institute, some US
companies exploit agricultural and mining resources from developing countries regardless the
damage they are causing.
Who: The Environment Ministry in the developing country.
What: Denies the approval of activities of foreign companies that do not comply with the local
environmental regulations.
How: Means of regular audits.
That the Environment Ministry in the developing country denies the approval of activities of
foreign companies that do not comply with the local environmental regulations by means of
regular audits,
 Portfolio File #6: WRITING MY OWN OUTLINE IN CLASS (Print a copy)
NAME:_____________________________________________________ GROUP: _________________________
Write short sentences. Remember this is a skeleton of you paper, NOT the whole essay! Do not include connectors
and aim at writing single lines (not several) at this point.

Hook
Introduction

Issue (paraphrased)
Background (2 causes of
the main problem)
Thesis Statement (Main
problem + 2 sub-
problems)

Problem 1
Supporting evidence
Body paragraph 1

(Example, author’s
opinion, statistics,
reports)

Solution 1
(Who, What, How)

Resulting sentence

Problem 2

Supporting evidence
Body paragraph 2

(Example, author’s
opinion, statistics,
reports)

Solution 2
(Who, What, How)

Resulting sentence

References:
1. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________