How to Write an Outline

What is it?

An outline is a general plan of the material that is to be presented in a speech or a

paper. The outline shows the order of the various topics, the relative importance of
each, and the relationship between the various parts.
Order in an Outline

There are many ways to arrange the different parts of a subject. Sometimes, a
chronological arrangement works well. At other times, a spatial arrangement is best
suited to the material. The most common order in outlines is to go from the general to
the specific. This means you begin with a general idea and then support it with
specific examples.

Thesis Statement of Summarizing Sentence

All outlines should begin with a thesis statement of summarizing sentence. This thesis
sentence presents the central idea of the paper. It must always be a complete,
grammatical sentence, specific and brief, which expresses the point of view you are
taking towards the subject.

Types of Outlines
The two main types of outlines are the topic outline and the sentence outline. In the
topic outline, the headings are given in single words or brief phrases. In the sentence
outline, all the headings are expressed in complete sentences.

Rules for Outlining

1. Subdivide topics by a system of numbers and letters, followed by a period.
Example:

I.
A.
B.
1.
2.

II.
A.
B.
2. Each heading and subheading must have at least two parts.
3. Headings for parts of the paper of speech such as, Introduction and Conclusion
should not be used.
4. be consistent. Do not mix up the two types of outlines. Use either whole sentences
of brief phrases, but not both.

Sample Topic Outline: Choices in College and After

Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses depend on larger
questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work.

I. Two decisions described

A. Art history or chemistry
1. Professional considerations
2. Personal considerations
B. A third year of French?
1. Practical advantages of knowing a foreign language
2. Intellectual advantages
3. The issue of necessity
II. Definition of the problem
A. Decisions about occupation
B. Decisions about a kind of life to lead
III. Temporary resolution of the problem
A. To hold open a professional possibility: chemistry
B. To take advantage of cultural gains already made: French

Sample Sentence Outline: Choices in College and After

Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses depend on larger
questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work.
I. I have two decisions to make with respect to choosing college courses in the
immediate future.
A. One is whether to elect a course in art history or in chemistry.
1. One time in my life, I planned to be a chemical engineer professionally.
2. On the other hand, I enjoy art and plan to travel and see more of it.
B. The second decision is whether to continue a third year of French beyond the basic
college requirement.
1. French might be useful both in engineering and travel.
2. Furthermore, I am eager to read good books which are written in French.
3. How necessary are these considerations in the light of other courses I might take
instead?
II. My problem can be put in the form of a dilemma involving larger questions about
my whole future.
A. On the one hand I want to hold a highly-trained position in a lucrative profession.
B. On the other hand I want to lead a certain kind of life, with capacities for values not
connected with the making of money.
III. I will have to make a decision balancing the conflicting needs I have described.
A. I will hold open the professional possibilities by electing chemistry.
B. I will improve and solidify what cultural proficiency in another language I have
already gained, by electing French.

Sample

Title: The Federalist Papers’ Influence on the Ratification of the Constitution

Thesis: The Federalist Papers influenced the ratification of the Constitution by
making some of their most important arguments, including the importance of being in
a Union by having a Constitution, answering to the objections made by the Anti-
federalists about separation of powers, and defending opposing arguments made
against the characteristics of the executive and judicial branch as provided in the
Constitution.

I. Introduction
a. Describe The Federalist Papers are and when they started
b. Thesis: The Federalist influenced the ratification of the Constitution by
making some of their most important arguments, including the
importance of being in a Union by having a Constitution, answering to
the objections made by the Anti-federalists about separation of powers,
and defending opposing arguments made against the characteristics of
the executive and judicial branch as provided in the Constitution.
II. Background
a. State when The Federalist was printed and published.
b. Discuss the intentions and purposes of The Federalist.
III. Argument for the benefit of a Union
a. A Union would guard against external dangers
b. A Union would guard against internal dangers
A. The “extended sphere” argument about how it will control
factions. (Federalist 10)
IV. Argument of the problem with complete separation of powers
 a. Anti-federalists wanted a complete separation of the judicial, executive,
and legislative branches
b. The Federalist said the maxim of complete separation of powers is
misunderstood. (Montesquieu)
c. The branches need some limited power of the other branches to protect
themselves from encroachment of the other branches (Federalist 51)
A. The branches need to have the interests of maintaining their
powers, and not letting the other branches take that away.
V. Argument for a single executive, and against a plural executive
a. Anti-federalists didn’t want a single executive, too much like a monarch
b. The Federalist need the executive to be “energetic” and a plural
executive would make this impossible (Federalist 70)
A. It would take too long for the people in the executive position to
make decision in an emergency, because they might disagree.
B. In a plural executive, it is hard to tell who is responsible for a
wrongdoing because they can all blame each other, so a single
executive would lead to more responsible behavior
VI. Argument in favor of judicial review and terms of good behavior for judges
a. Anti-federalists didn’t like judicial review and the term of good behavior
b. The Federalist argued that judicial review was necessary to protect the
judicial branch from the Legislature.
c. A term of good behavior was necessary to get qualified people for the
positions; it would also give them time to develop knowledge.
VII. Conclusion
a. Thesis
b. The dates of the ratification of the Constitution by the States
c. The Federalist’s influence beyond the ratification

Sample Outline

Title: Frederick Douglass

Thesis: Frederick Douglass played a crucial role in securing the abolition of slavery
and equality of African-American rights through his actions, ideas, and efforts as a
lecturer, author/publisher, and politician.

I. Introduction
A. Thesis
B. Roles/Arguments
II. Douglass as Lecturer
A. History as slave and acquisition of education
1) He “experienced slavery”
2) Literacy allowed expression
B. Early lectures, including initial speech before Garrison
1) Success of initial speech
 2) Goals for future speeches
C. Effect of lectures on society
1) Open eyes
2) Encourage activism
III. Douglass as Author/Publisher
A. Narrative’s success and effect
1) Springboard for paper
B. Goals/hopes for paper
C. Garrison set-back and significance
D. Significance of Paper
IV. Douglass as Politician
A. Key trait for success
B. Goal of political activism
C. Efforts for Republican party
1) Significance of efforts
D. Black soldier enlistment crusade
E. Joining of Republican party
1) Significance of efforts
V. Conclusion
A. Summarize arguments and efforts