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Last updated July 10, 2007

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How to Creat a Final Outline

The organization of your research paper should follow the basic expository model which you have used for your thesis-based essays.

I. Introduction (which hooks the reader's attention and ends with a good thesis statement) II. Main body paragraphs (each with a good topic sentence supporting some aspect of the thesis ­ remember the importance of tight argumentation) III. Conclusion (which begins with a restatement of the thesis and leads to some interesting original thought)

 

A few thoughts to keep in mind before you begin...

The goal of this step is to create a complete blueprint for the final essay. Ideally, you should be able to write the essay from the final outline alone. The materials you will need to create it are only your revised rough outline and notecards/notes. You may also need scissors and tape. You need a creatively focussed mind! Remember that your final outline should include: (1) your revised thesis statement (2) topic sentences for the main body paragraphs (3) the evidence/details from your notecards (4) parenthetical citations.

 

Method for Creating Outlines

• Spread all your notecards before you and sort them into paragraph (or topic) piles. You may want to take a pair of scissors to your notes, but be sure to code them appropriately before you do so you don't lose track of what information came from which source!
• On a piece of paper, make a list of the main topics (later these will become body paragraphs). Make sure that each paragraph relates to your overarching thesis.
• You need to think carefully about paragraphs as you create the outline. Remember, each paragraph should develop a main idea which is expressed in the topic sentence; each topic sentence should relate to the thesis. You don't want to create paragraphs which are a mish-mash of barely related sentences. This structure will give focus and discipline to your paper.
• On the outline, assign a new Roman numeral to each paragraph.
  • For example, Roman numeral "I" will be for the introduction; Include your introductory paragraph (with bold-faced thesis statement) under Roman numeral "I" of your outline. Make sure to boldface your thesis.
• Roman numeral "II" will be for the second paragraph.
  • Next to each Roman numeral include a bold-faced topic for that paragraph.
  • If you are feeling ambitious, you could even write topic sentences for some of your paragraphs (which is not a mandatory component).
  • Use capitalized letters under the Roman numerals to put forth the main points of the paragraph, and numbers under the capitalized letters to put forth your supporting evidence.
  • Don't get too messy with little letters and i's.
  • Cite each piece of information with a parenthetical citation on your outline. (Source and page number).
  • Remember that you shouldn't cite your thesis, which is supposed to be an original statement on your part.

   

  Here is a sample final outline.

   

  Here is a checklist for a well-written final outline. Feel free to print this document to make sure that you have met all the critiera.

   

  About These Guidelines:

   

  These guidelines were originally created as handouts by

  Nancy Feidelman for her History 9 class.

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