General Pointers for Outlines

Research Paper Outline

General pointers for outlines:

 Each time you indent, you are supporting the previous entry. For Example:

II. Macbeth plays an important role in Scottish society. A. He is the Thane of Glamis, then of Cawdor. B. Many characters are concerned with his actions. 1. Discuss Lennox and Scottish nobles in Act 3. 2. Discuss reaction of guests at Banquo’s feast

(Entries “A” and “B” support Roman numeral “II”) (Entries “1” and “2” support “B”)

 Outlines need to be either ALL COMPLETE SENTENCES or ALL PHRASES. Ask your teacher or professor which style they prefer.  An outline cannot have a single strain. If you have an “A,” you must have at least a “B.” If you have a “1,” you must have at least a “2.” For example:

NOT ACCEPTABLE:

III. Macbeth plays an important role in Scottish society. A. He is the Thane of Glamis, then Cawdor. 1. Discuss witches’ prophecy. B. Many characters are concerned with his actions. 1. Discuss Lennox and Scottish nobles in Act 3. ACCEPTABLE:

IV. Macbeth plays an important role in Scottish society. A. He is the Thane of Glamis, then Cawdor. 1. Discuss the witches’ prophecy. 2. Explain Duncan’s faith and loyalty to him. B. Many characters are concerned with his actions. 1. Discuss Lennox and Scottish nobles in Act 3. 2. Discuss reaction of guests at Banquo’s feast  The first step in an outline is determining how you will organize your paragraphs. What type of organization lends itself to your thesis statement?

Chronological order? Order of Importance? Specifics of a literary element? i.e. types of irony, types of imagery, different literary devices, satire of different subjects, different methods of conveying satire…

These are some examples of organization for literary papers:

TOPIC: Electra and the number three.

THESIS STATEMENT: The wide range of meaning of the number three in tradition, speculation and science touches our literature. This idea is evident in the plays surrounding Electra through the presence of a third object, word, character, or action.

SUB-PROBLEMS:

I. Examine the role of the number three in Mythology. II. Study the placement of the third object used in these plays. III. Study the use of a third statement or word in the text. IV. Examine the presence of a third character as a “love triangle.” V. Examine the significance of the third action in a series.

TOPIC: Constance’s language in Shakespeare’s The Life and Death of King John.

THESIS: Constance in William Shakespeare’s, The Life and Death of King John, values language greatly.

SUB-PROBLEMS:

I. Study the concept that language represents reality to Constance. II. Examine language as a paradox of truth in Constance’s world. III. Study the fact that Constance uses language as power IV. Study Constance’s language as her vehicle for despair. V. Examine figurative language as Constance’s way of dealing with death.

 Each Roman numeral will represent one of your paragraphs in the paper, and everything underneath will be primary and secondary support and analysis to support that idea. Template for Outline:

I. (Details for Introduction Strategy) A. Specific quote, analogy, background, etc. B. Thesis statement

II. First sub-problem (What will become topic sentence) A. Proof from primary source 1. Quote 2. Analysis/Explanation B. Support from secondary source 1. Paraphrase 2. Analysis/Explanation C. Proof from primary source 1. Quote 2. Analysis/Explanation D. Support from another secondary source 1. Quote 2. Analysis/Explanation

III. Second sub-problem (What will become topic sentence) A. Proof from primary source 1. Quote 2. Analysis/Explanation B. Support from secondary source 1. Paraphrase 2 Analysis/Explanation C. Proof from primary source 1. Quote 2. Analysis/Explanation D. Support from another secondary source 1. Paraphrase 2. Analysis/Explanation

 CONTINUE WITH ALL SUB-PROBLEMS- NOTE THIS IS GENERAL ORGANIZATION, THE ORDER AND AMOUNT OF THESE SENTENCES IN YOUR PARAGRAPHS CAN VARY. Just make sure that you are thorough in your analysis and amount of required support.

End with:

IX. (Details for Conclusion Strategy) A. Review of points in essay. B. Reworded reflection of thesis.