Sample of a Traditional Formal Outline

Topic: A comparison between Gray's "Letter to his Mother" and Hearne's "Transactions at the Coppermine River".

Thesis statement: While Hearne's discourse parallels Gray's in its stylistic approach, a close comparison between the two texts reveals a sharp contrast between the two narrators' personae and the contact each has with the territory he explores.

I. (MAIN IDEA) The two works have a similar style A. (SUBORDINATE IDEA) both are written in the first person B. (SUBORDINATE IDEA) both attempt to be accurate records C. (SUBORDINATE IDEA) both relate events chronologically 1. (SUPPORTING DETAIL) Gray gives a day-by-day account 2. (SUPPORTING DETAIL) Hearne even gives dates and times

II. (MAIN IDEA) The two works differ in tone A. (SUBORDINATE IDEA) both writers attempt to separate themselves from events they relate 1. (SUPPORTING DETAIL) Gray succeeds in sounding impersonal a. (EXAMPLE) letter to his mother b. (EXAMPLE) description of wolf attack 2. (SD) Hearne seems to have an emotional bias a. (EX) unbiased in describing journey and preparations b. (EX) emotional reaction to the attack on the Esquimaux

B. (SI) reasons for differences in tone 1. (SD)Type of contact each had with the territories a. (EX) Gray was a passive observer, a visitor b. (EX) Hearne was a surveyor, a conqueror 2. (SD) Attitude toward territory a. (EX)The wolf's attack illustrates Gray's passive attitude toward the territory i. wolf attacks out of necessity ii. wolf kills quickly, almost painlessly b. (EX) The survey team's attack illustrates Hearne's invasive attitude toward the territory i. team attacks for payment ii. team causes an agonizing, cruel death

Continue using this structure for all your supporting arguments. Write the conclusion out in full.