Outline
Before you start writing the first draft of your essay or research project, it is always useful to make an
outline of your ideas. If you have already decided on your focus or topic, and you have a rough list of
sources for support, then you are ready to draft outline.
Keep in mind that outlines are not required to follow a format style (eg. APA). An outline is simply a
way to organize your ideas and information. The following is an abbreviated version of what is often
referred to as a formal or “traditional” outline. It can be expanded or condensed to fit the scope of
your essay or research project. The example below is based on the five-paragraph essay model.
The Thesis Statement (TS) will be the
last 1-3 sentences of the introduction.
I. Introduction
A. Thesis Statement
II. Body paragraph #1 – Topic Sentence #1
A. Supporting Evidence
1. Name of & quote from source Supporting Evidence
Integrate an appropriate example,
such as a quote, statistic, case
study, etc.
2. Name of & quote from source #2 (if applicable)
B. Explanation
1. Explanation of source
2. Explanation of source #2 (if applicable)
C. So What? Explanation
Explain how this evidence supports your
topic sentence. Try to develop your
III. Body paragraph #2 – Topic Sentence #2
