Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Formal OutlineA Basic Introduction
The Formal Outline. . .
• Is another organization
method in constructing an
essay
• Compliments the research
process
• Alleviates the note card pain
The Formal Outline. . .• Follows the same MLA
guidelines:
• 12 point Times New
Roman font
• Double spaced
• Directly reflects essay
construction
• Does NOT directly reflect
paragraph construction (but it's
close)
Some Simple Rules• Each Roman Numeral = the main sentence of the
paragraph (i.e. thesis statement, topic sentence)
• The only part(s) of the outline that MUST be a
COMPLETE sentence
• Capital letters =
• Textual evidence (DQ or PP)
OR
• Concluding sentence
• Numbers =
• #1 - Introduction sentences
• #2 - Concluding sentences
Some Simple Rules
• Every "I" must have a "II"
• Every "A" must have a "B"
• Every "1" must have a "2"
Outline Example
Thesis Paragraph
I. Thesis statement
A. Hook sentence
B. Summary sentence
CITED
EXAMPLES
Outline ExampleSupporting Paragraph
II. Topic statement
A. 1st cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)
1. Introducing sentence
2. Relevance sentence
B. 2nd cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)
1. Introducing sentence
2. Relevance sentence
C. 3rd cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)
1. Introducing sentence
2. Relevance sentence
D. Concluding sentence
Outline ExampleConclusion Paragraph
Chinese American Greatness
I. Though the Tan family story is somewhat
painful to comprehend, the lasting legacy of
achievement earned by its most famous member
make the family's narrative a worthwhile
account to remember.
A. Shanghaied
B. Struggles of freedom
Thesis Paragraph
First Supporting Paragraph
II. Amy Tan's life may seem like a life of fame and fortune,
but taking the family's struggles into account makes one
understand the sacrifices that were made.
A. Forced to leave (“Amy Tan Biography”)
1. Life in China
2. Tan's writing focus
B. Pains of separation (Bullock).
1. Losing family members to death and China
2. Strong bonds
C. Pains of the Tan family story
Second Supporting Paragraph
III. Tan is able to manifest tragic energy into her
writing and earn some outstanding achievements.
A. First novel – The Joy Luck Club (Turner 212)
1. Tan’s mother’s tragedies
2. Empowers her throughout her career
B. Novels in 35 languages (“Amy Tan Biography”)
1. Continues success
2. Global recognition
C. Creative achievements on a
worldlylevel
Third Supporting Paragraph
IV. Amy Tan has certainly created a legacy that is
sure to leave her mark on all the lives her
writings touch.
A. The Moon Lady and “Siamese Cat” (Turner 301)
1. Additional genres of writing
2. Tan's writing focus
B. Wide array of audience(Bullock)
1. Appearances through different mediums
2. Commitment to youth
C. Legacy solidifies
V. Tan’s life is far from typical and easy,
but she is able to rise above her grief,
acquire great achievements, and ensure her
legacy lives beyond her years.
A. Family's desperation
B. Manifestation of pain
Conclusion Paragraph
