Outlining: Step 1

Table of Contents

Step 1: Review your assignment topic directions carefully.  Make sure that you know the key words the instructor is looking for in your thesis, the style of writing, and how to approach it.

For example, from essay 1’s assignment directions… Write a proposal argument in which you address the question, “What needs to be done to address the opioid crisis in the United States?” Key words for your thesis: propose, do, opioid crisis, in America Style of writing: argument How to approach it: proposal (which means you must actually propose specific changes that will alleviate the opioid crisis in America.  You will not research what others are doing to fix it…you are ‘proposing’ changes to the way things are currently run in America with regard to opioids.  You may make modifications to things that are already being done.  You make entirely new suggestions.  You will not simply report on what is already being done.)

For example, from essay 2’s assignment directions… Write an ethical argument in which you address the question: “How far should scientists go to modify humans through genetic engineering?” Key words for your thesis: ethics, how far, scientists, modify humans, genetic engineering Style of writing: argument How to approach it: ethical argument (which means it needs a declared standard for ethics—such as Christian ethics)

For example, from essay 3’s assignment directions… Write a cause and effect argument in which you address the question, “How has social media impacted American culture?” Key words for your thesis: causes, effects, social media, impacts, American culture Style of writing: argument How to approach it: causal argument (which means it needs to declare specific causes of the effects on American culture by social media)