Example of How to Write an Outline

All outlines begin with a thesis statement or summarizing sentence. This sentence represents the central idea or message being presented in the paper or speech. This thesis is always a complete sentence with proper grammar that is specific but brief and expresses your point of view that is being presented on the subject.

Outline Types

There are two main types of outlines; Topic Outlines and Sentence Outlines. If a topic outline is used, the headings are usually one or two words or brief phrases, not complete sentences. A sentence outline the headings are full, complete sentences.

Outline Rules

1. Divide topics into a system of numbers (usually starting with roman numerals) and letters followed by a period.

Example:

2. All headings and subheadings must have two parts.
3. Heading such as 'Introduction' or 'Conclusion' for parts of the paper of a speech should not be used as Outline headings.
4. Consistency is key, do not mix up the two outline types. Use whole sentences or short phrases, but do not use both.

Example Outlines

Topic Outline

Subject: Choices in schools for younger children

Thesis: The decision to choose a private or public school for our child depends on the larger question of income and potential benefits offered by both schools.

1. Cost of schools
1. Public or Private School
1. Costs and fees of Private Schooling
2. Costs and fees of Public Schooling
2. Benefits offered by both schools
1. Benefits of Public School
2. Benefits of Private School
2. Definition of issue
1. Financial decision of choosing a private school
2. Social benefits/problems of choosing a public school
3. Resolution or Solution
1. Research costs of a private school within our budget
2. Weigh the benefits/programs offered of the private school and local public school

Sentence Outline

Subject: Choices in schools for younger children

Thesis: The decision to choose a private or public school for our child depends on the larger question of income and potential benefits offered by both schools.

1. We need to decide if the cost of private school is much higher than the costs of public school.
1. What are the costs and fees of both schools?
1. How much is the tuition and fees for private schooling?
2. What are the costs (including extracurricular activities and other fees) for public school?
2. Both schools offer different benefits and programs for students.
1. Public school offers free schooling and other after school programs but extracurricular activities can be very costly.
2. Private school offers smaller classes and other programs not offered at public schools but at a high tuition cost.
2. The issue lies in which will be best for the children, without being too costly for the family.
1. Private would be financially difficult but do-able for the family, but some budget changes would need to be made.
2. Public school could offer a larger cultural and social environment but also introduces the disadvantage of larger classrooms and less specialization.
3. We will need to make a decision based on the best solution for both the children and the family.
1. We will research private schools within our area, focusing on schools within our budget and the programs/advantages they offer.
2. We will then weigh the benefits and programs offered by the local public school versus the private schools we have selected.