Thesis Statement and Outline

Paper Title

· Thesis statement

· Major points/arguments indicated by Roman numerals (i.e., I, II, III, IV, V, etc.)

· Support for your major points, indicated by capital Arabic numerals (i.e., A, B, C, D, E, etc.)

Roman numeral I should be your “Introduction”. In the introduction portion of your paper, you’ll want to tell your reader what your paper is about and then tell what your paper hopes to prove (your thesis). So an Introduction gives an overview of the topic and your thesis statement.

The final Roman numeral should be your “Conclusion”. In the conclusion, you summarize what you have told your reader.

Following is an example from an actual student paper. YOUR outline can be MORE detailed, or might be LESS detailed. Remember that a good outline makes writing easier and more efficient.

Outline

Title: Frederick Douglass

Thesis: Frederick Douglass played a crucial role in securing the abolition of slavery and equality of African-American rights through his actions, ideas, and efforts as a lecturer, author/publisher, and politician.

              I.     Introduction

A.    Thesis

B.    Roles/Arguments

            II.     Douglass as Lecturer

A.    History as slave and acquisition of education

1)     He “experienced slavery”

2)     Literacy allowed expression

B.    Early lectures, including initial speech before Garrison

1)     Success of initial speech

2)     Goals for future speeches

C.    Effect of lectures on society

1)     Open eyes

2)     Encourage activism

          III.     Douglass as Author/Publisher

A.    Narrative’s success and effect

1)     Springboard for paper

B.    Goals/hopes for paper

C.    Garrison set-back and significance

D.    Significance of Paper

         IV.     Douglass as Politician

A.    Key trait for success

B.    Goal of political activism

C.    Efforts for Republican party

1)     Significance of efforts

D.    Black soldier enlistment crusade

E.     Joining of Republican party

1)     Significance of efforts

           V.     Conclusion

A.    Summarize arguments and efforts