Outlining: Step 2

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Step 2: Write out one sentence that includes the overall TOPIC in the ARGUMENT STYLE (proposal, ethical, or causal) with 3 clear reasons (which will become your body paragraphs later).

Topic + argument + reason 1 + reason 2 + reason 3

For example, if I were to write a proposal paper on human trafficking, I could have a thesis like this: "The problem of human trafficking that runs rampant throughout the United States could potentially be solved through the implementation of prevention presentations in middle schools, awareness programs for parents, and greater punishments for people involved in human trafficking."

Now, your thesis does not have to mirror this exact format, but this formula is helpful for an easily structured argument! Give it a try.  You cannot go wrong!

Outlining: Step 3

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Step 3: Break the three reasons—from your thesis—into the sections for your argument body paragraphs.

For the outline, you can easily translate the thesis to a more fleshed out outline by converting each of your reasons into one body paragraph for each of the ‘reasons’.  See the body paragraph outlined sections below.

REASON 1 = BODY PARAGRAPH 1 I. Implementation of prevention presentations in middle schools can help young teenagers develop awareness of human trafficking.                a. These presentations could provide youth with methods of self-defense to keep them safe.                b. Problems cannot be solved if people are unaware of the issue.

REASON 2 = BODY PARAGRAPH 2 II. Awareness programs for parents can provide tools parents can use in their daily lives to keep their children safe. a.      Parents might not be aware of the dangers human trafficking poses to their children in their area of the world. b.      By bringing awareness to parents, the parents can then share the information with their children, which will help provide further insight for the children.

REASON 3 = BODY PARAGRAPH 3 III. Greater punishments for people involved in human trafficking could potentially lessen the number of people involved in this crime. a.      Having a more intense consequence could keep potential criminals from getting involved with human trafficking because the risk will be greater if they are caught.                b. The level of punishment can also help people realize the gravity of the crime.

Using your own thoughts to defend your ideas is critical for developing a good outline, and even more so for creating a strong essay.

If you rely too heavily on source material, your argument will no longer be your argument. You want the readers to know what you think, not what other people think. That is not to say that you shouldn't use sources. On the contrary, you should use sources, but ONLY WHEN THEY defend your own ideas by helping bolster your argument! 70%-80% of the writing should be your argument and ideas, and in your words—using 3^rd person voice.  20%-30% will be source materials that are used to DEFEND your argument.  Do not use sources to MAKE the argument. For help understanding the 80/20 Rule, visit https://learnessaystrategies.blogspot.com/2019/02/8020-and-eliminating-direct-quotes.html

Outlining: Step 4

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Step 4: Create logical argument flow and progression of the content for your outline.  To create your outline, you will follow the structure below.

Outline (General Concepts)

Outlines will vary depending on the exact goal of the piece, but every outline should contain the following elements:

Post your thesis—here—at the top so that it can easily be located before starting. Post Thesis: _____ Introduction Stages: _____ _____ _____ Body Paragraph 1: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Body Paragraph 2: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____  Body Paragraph 3: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____  Counter-argument paragraph--when required: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____  Conclusion paragraph: _____ _____ _____

Remember that this is a rough guide for essays in our class.  Every essay comes with different challenges, and so this is the general outline for moving your argument along. 

Variances can occur in the body paragraphs, though.  Sometimes you will need to create more hamburger method/source sandwiches to defend multiple angles of your argument in that paragraph.  Nonetheless, remember, if you are writing an argument, you will need at least one counter-argument body paragraph, and maybe a second one if it is a very long paper (10+ pages).  However, the introduction and the conclusion should follow the three-sentence plans for proper structural flow.

Use these links for extra help.

Structured Parts of an OUTLINE Outline Guidance Introduction Structure / Outline Body-Paragraph Structure / Outline Conclusion Structure / Outline

Outlining: Step 5

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Step 5: Locate source material that supports what you are arguing in your outline. 

Make sure the source material is supporting what you were arguing…do not let the sources make the arguments for you.  The sources need to support and defend your argument.  You are not simply writing a research report of other people’s ideas and arguments on the issue..

Once you have completed the steps above, it is time to go back and include some research support showing that you know how to properly include outside source information as well as cite it.  For help in adding in the defending sources, see the Hamburger Method: https://learnessaywriting.blogspot.com/p/hamburger-method-drafting-your-essay.html.