outline

Professor

ENG 111

Date

Title of Your Essay

Thesis

· A clear thesis, clarifying the topic, your claim, and 2-4 main ideas that prove the argument

(Note: If you support your thesis claim with only 2 main ideas, you need to provide at least two support paragraphs for each main idea.)

Body

Main idea # 1--Topic Sentence—include the first main idea from your thesis as well as your claim (Since this is an extended essay, each main idea may need to be developed into more than one paragraph. If you use more than one support paragraph for a main idea, be sure to include a transitional word or phrase that links the reader back to the initial topic sentence idea in order to create stronger unity and coherence.)

a. First sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 1

b. Second sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 1

c. Third sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 1

*(NOTE: the number of sub points will depend on your research and how much you develop the argument. You should have at least 2 sub points per main idea.)

Main idea # 2 Topic Sentence: include the second main idea from your thesis as well as your claim (The objective is to prove your thesis argument. Since this is an extended essay, each main idea may need to be developed into more than one paragraph.)

b. First sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 2

b. Second sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 2

c. Third sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 2

Main idea # 3 Topic Sentence: include the third main idea from your thesis as well as your claim (The objective is to prove your thesis argument. Since this is an extended essay, each main idea may need to be developed into more than one paragraph.)

a. First sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 3

b. Second sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 3

c. Third sub point sentence—Transition word or phrase + supporting idea

i. Evidence (from research + in-text citation)

ii. Brief explanation/analysis of how this evidence supports your argument and connects your reader back to main idea # 3

*Continue this outlining pattern to develop additional main ideas as needed for your outline.

Conclusion

· Reiterate your thesis and sum up what your research says about the argument in your thesis, and then formulate concluding remarks.

Works Cited