General Argument Outline

General Outline Pattern—it is best to have a combination of a topic outline and sentence outline

Empty Outline Sample

Thesis Statement—full sentence needed

       I.            Introduction

1.       Hook— Full sentence needed

2.      Background—topic points are fine here; full sentence(s) not needed

3.      Thesis statement— Full sentence needed

    II.            Body paragraphs to support the claim in the Thesis

1.       Topic sentence—Full sentence needed

2.      Supporting details and development—general topic points and source in-text citations to remind you what to write out for the next phase of the writing process is enough here.  Full sentence(s) not needed

3.      Evaluate points— full sentence(s) not needed

4.      Closing sentence—full sentence not needed

 III.            Body paragraphs to show opposition points

1.       Topic sentence—Full sentence needed

2.      Supporting details and development—general topic points and source in-text citations to remind you what to write out for the next phase of the writing process is enough here.  Full sentence(s) not needed

3.      Evaluate points— full sentence(s) not needed

4.      Closing sentence—full sentence not needed

  IV.            Conclusion

1.       Reiterates your thesis in different words— Full sentence needed

2.      BRIEFLY sum up what you talked about in your body paragraphs— full sentence(s) not needed

3.      Culminating Thought—this last sentence drives home any final thoughts or call for action.  Full sentence needed.

     V.            References/Works Cited Section

1.       Include the full source citations for each source you have noted above in the outline.