General Rules and Reminders

The purpose of an outline is to structure the BODY of your paper. Do not outline your introduction or conclusion.

Your research question and thesis statement must be at the TOP of your outline. Every part of your outline must connect back to your thesis statement.

Research QuestionThesis

TitleI. First Level (body thesis) A. Second Level (evidence) 1. Third Level (further evidence or connection of

evidence to body thesis – ie: analysis) B. Second Level 1. Third Level 2. Third Level C. Second LevelII. First Level A. Second Level 1. Third Level 2. Third Level B. Second Level 1. Third Level 2. Third Level

Every subordinate level must directly support the level above it.

At the Roman numeral level of your outline (level one), you will have a full sentence The Roman numeral levels of your outline

are your body theses These may or may not correspond to the

paragraphs of your paper▪ You may have more paragraphs than Roman

numerals this is because some body theses lend themselves to more than one paragraph of information

The only complete sentences you must have are your body theses and your thesis statement.

Your body theses must be an argument point. They also must have a DIRECT and CLEAR connection to your thesis.

Remember you are outlining the ARGUMENT POINTS of your paper not necessarily the paragraphs of your paper. EACH ROMAN NUMERAL WILL NOT

AUTOMATICALLY EQUAL ONE PARAGRAPH.

Sam SmithTeacherEuropean Studies1 November 2009

Evergreen versus Aloha

Is Washington really the best place to live?The state of Washington is better than the state of Hawaii.

I. Hawaii is called the Aloha State and while there is much to appreciate about the area, it is a difficult place to live.A. definition of Aloha (Smith, 34)B. positive attributes (there should be actual evidence here in your outline, ditto for all capital letters below)C. difficulties

II. Washington has so much to offer and the mild temperature is very welcoming to exploring and adventure.A. physical featuresB. weather

III. The global location and proximity of Washington is much more convenient for traveling than Hawaii. A. travel by carB. air travel

A Two-Level Outline

Sam SmithTeacherEuropean Studies1 November 2009

Jackie O, A New EraQuestion: Did Jackie Kennedy have a lasting impact on the role of the first

family?Thesis: As a cultural icon, Jacqueline Kennedy redefined the traditionally

public yet passive role of the First Lady by working to restore the White House Mansion and allowing the family to take precedence over pressing political issues.

I. Jacqueline Kennedy changed the role of the First Lady.A. General Public Perception of First Lady RoleB. How Jackie Changed the Role of the First LadyC. Jackie as the First Lady and a Cultural Icon

II. Jackie Kennedy brought a beneficial restoration to the White House.A. Jackie’s Reasoning Behind the RestorationB. Jackie’s Actions to Restore the White HouseC. Results/Outcomes of Jackie’s Restoration of the White House

III. Jackie viewed family as her first priority over many political Issues.A. Escaping the Celebrity LifestyleB. Jackie’s Reasoning Behind the Importance of the Family

B – BroadS – SpecificSi – SimpleC – ConfusingR – Report-like, make more

interesting (but good idea)A – Awkward (but good idea)Check – pretty goodSad face – no answer (no thesis)