HONORS

 

Outline

 

Guidelines


To prepare to make an outline, sort all note cards into stacks having the same headings, and arrange stacks in a workable order for an outline.

Prepare a thesis statement. A "thesis statement" is a single declarative sentence which summarizes the paper. It should not be expressed in a question. It is a preview of what the paper is about, and it controls the paper’s content.

An outline should have the headings and subtopics written in parallel wording, which means that each section or heading has similar wording construction.

There should be from three to five main topics (indicated by Roman numerals).

Each heading should have at least two sub-headings.

Double space the lines.

Capitalize the first word of the headings in Levels 1 and 2, and all proper nouns.

Use one-inch margins on both sides, top, and bottom.

Check with your teacher to find out if the outline is formal (using complete sentences) or informal (using phrases or single words in a "parallel wording" format).

 

Layout Example

(center)

(1 inch from top)

Title of Paper

(double space)

Thesis statement:

(double space)

Introduction:

(double space between EACH entry or line)

I. Main heading (first level heading) (capitalize first word and all proper nouns)

A. Second-level headings
1. third-level headings
2.
a. fourth-level headings
b.
(1). fifth-level headings
(2).
(a). sixth-level headings
(b).
B.

II. Next Main heading

A.
B. (continue/complete outline)

Conclusion:

 

 

 



Completed Example

Cry, Wolf

Thesis statement: In the past wolves have often been labeled as killers, and attempts have been made to eradicate them from the earth.

Introduction: How have we "pictured" wolves in the past, and why are we concerned about their preservation?

I. Misunderstand about wolves

A. The wolf's social structure
B. Human and wolf similarities

II. Endangered species

III. Reintroduction program by the Department of the Interior (1995)

A. Concern of ranchers
1. loss of livestock
2. loss of grazing land
3. financial repercussions
B. Exorbitant costs of program
C. Problems for the wolves
1. resistance to relocation
2. dangers of losing "wildness"
3. inhumane capture process

IV. Misguided intentions of the reintroduction program

A. Wolves not close to extinction
B. "Symbolic" acts not helpful to wolves
C. "Dominion" by humans continuing

Conclusion: Wolves have been misunderstood to the point of endangerment, but extreme measures to reintroduce wolves disregards their essential nature and turns out to just be another way of controlling them.