Example of Topic Outline

Several aspects must be considered in writing a topic outline.

 Recall that all headings and subheadings must be words or phrases, not sentences.
 Also, the wording within each division must be parallel.
 Finally, as in any outline, remember that a division or subdivision cannot be divided into one part; therefore, if there is an "A" there must be a
"B," and if there is a "1" there must be a "2."
I. Family Problems
A. Custodial: Non-custodial Conflicts
B. Extended Family
C. Adolescent's Age
II. Economic Problems
A. Child Support
B. Women's Job Training
C. Lower Standard of Living
D. Possible Relocation
1. Poorer Neighborhood
2. New School
III. Peer Problems
A. Loss of Friends
B. Relationships with Dates

Example of Sentence Outline

Several aspects must be considered in writing a sentence outline.
 If you have chosen to write a sentence outline, all headings and sub-headings must be in sentence form.
 As in any outline, remember that a division or sudivision can not be divided into one part; therefore, if there is an "A" there must be a "B," and if
there is a "1" there must be a "2."
Negative Effects of Divorce on Adolescents
I. When family conflicts arise as a result of divorce, adolescents suffer.
A. During the first year, these young people may be depressed due to conflicts between the custodial and non-custodial parents.
B. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often restricted by visitation provisions.
C. Almost without exception, adolescents find divorce very painful, but they react in differing degrees depending on their age.
II. Some of the most negative effects on adolescents may be associated with economic problems.
A. The family will most probably experience a lower standard of living due to the cost of maintaining two households.
B. Some female custodial parents have poor job skills and must train before entering the job market.
C. The lower standard of living may result in misunderstanding and conflicts within the family.
D. The decreased standard of living, particularly for an untrained female custodial parent, often causes relocation.
1. The family may have to move to a poorer neighborhood in order to cut costs.
2. As a result, the adolescent may have to attend a different school.
III. Adolescents from divorced families often experience peer problems.
A. Due to relocation and prejudice, adolescents may lose friends.
B. The lack of a solid relationship with both parents affects an adolescent's attitude toward the opposite sex.

Topic Outline
Birds as Insect Controllers:
I. How birds help
a. Have high metabolism rate
b. Eat nearly twice weight
i. 3-oz. to 5 ½ oz. ratio in birds
ii. 10-lb. to 18 1/3 lb. ratio in humans
II. How environment helps
a. Vegetation
i. Windbreaks
ii. Living fences
iii. Shrub buffers
b. Water
i. Farm ponds
ii. Grass waterways
Sentence Outline
Birds as Insect Controllers:
I. Birds eat insects.
a. The birds have a high metabolism rate.
b. The birds eat almost twice their own weight.
i. A 3-ounce baby bird will eat 5 ½ ounces of insects.
ii. A 10-pound human baby would have to eat 18 1/3 pounds of food.
II. The environment attracts birds.
a. Planting the right vegetation attracts birds.

i. Windbreaks provide birds protection.

ii. Living fences provide birds nesting and roosting sites.

iii. Shrub buffers provide birds protection.

b. Developing water sources attracts birds.
i. Farm ponds provide birds with water and food.
ii. Grass waterways attract birds of different varieties.