Formal Outline Guidelines
- Outline MUST BE TYPED. Use Times New Roman, 12 point font
- INTRODUCTION & CONCLUSION. Must be in full paragraph form. Double spaced.
Intro. par.: begin with a hook, followed by background information that the reader needs to get
an overview/historical context of your topic as well as to understand the thesis statement,
which is likely your last sentence.
Thesis: one analytic sentence that presents your full argument
Concluding par.: one paragraph summary, which also provides closure to the paper.
- ESSAY BODY. Designate major sections of your paper (e.g., topics covered in multiple
paragraphs) with Roman numerals. Then map out EACH paragraph of the essay under the
appropriate major section. SINGLE SPACE BODY OF OUTLINE.
Designate paragraphs with Capital letters. Write a full topic sentence for each paragraph
next to the appropriate capital letter.
Topic Sentence: analytic sentence that supports thesis; it must reflect the full ideas in the
paragraph (and all in paragraph must be relevant to topic sentence).
Indent clearly (5 spaces) and write the actual information/evidence you will use in each
paragraph in outline form below the topic sentence. Do NOT use complete sentences.
Outline body paragraphs with EVIDENCE that supports thesis as well as demonstrates your
understanding of your topic and its historical context, as applicable.
Write MLA format Parenthetical CITATION at the end of relevant line, as needed (quotes,
another author’s interpretations, obscure or controversial info, maps/statistics or your
primary material)
Outline Sample Format -- For essay body, you MUST map out EACH paragraph.
I. Section Title (i.e., Introduction) underneath: double spaced full intro paragraph
II. Section Title (e.g., Childhood – assumes have multiple paragraphs on this topic)
A. Full Analytical Topic Sentence written out here for first body paragraph
1. Evidence
a. Detail about ‘1’ (Last name author 57)
b. Detail about ‘1’
i. Further detail about ‘b’ here
ii. Further detail about ‘b’ here
2. Evidence
3. Evidence (Last name 4)
B. Full Analytical Topic Sentence written out here for second body paragraph
ETC.