The Sentence Outline The format of the sentence outline is similar to the topic outline except that headings and subheadings are written as complete sentences. The advantage of this format is that the writer has a clearer idea of how the ideas in the outline will be developed in the essay. This type of outline is also more informative to a teacher or peer who may offer suggestions. The sentence outline is a bit more difficult because more thought must go into it but once it is complete, it may be easier to use as a basis for your essay.
Sample Sentence Outline
Title: Canada's Armed Forces Thesis statement: Since before confederation Canada has had armed forces. The role of those forces has altered in the post 9/11 world. If our armed forces are to remain viable, some things must change. I. The evolution of Canada ’s armed forces. A. The development of Canada's armed forces began informally before confederation. 1. Canada's first military men were volunteers. a. This volunteer militia defeated the USA in the War of 1812. b. In the Rebellion of 1837 the militia that was loyal to Great Britain fought against those rebels who wanted greater independence. B. The development of Canada's armed forces accelerated after confederation. 1. The Riel Rebellion of 1885 provided the incentive for the development of a permanent militia. a. A volunteer citizen's militia was formed. b. The NWMP was created as a military styled national police force. II. Canada's armed forces played a major role in the twentieth century. A. Canada was an important partner in the 1914 –1918 war against Germany. 1. The Canadian expeditionary force represented Canada on the battlefields of Europe. a. Sir Arthur Currie led the Canadian forces in WWI. b. The Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge proved the effectiveness of the Canadian forces. c. The Royal Flying Corp played a major part in the air battles of the war. d. Canada was accepted as an equal partner at the Treaty of Versailles. B. Canada's armed forces continued to develop between the WWI and WWII. 1. Canada maintained a standing army in the years between the wars. C. Canada played an important part in WWII. 1. William Lyon Mackenzie King instituted a draft of men to the Canadian army in 1942. 2. Canadian forces were instrumental in the liberation of Holland. 3. By the end of WWII 1.5 million Canadians had served in the Canadian Armed Forces. D. Canada was a willing partner in the United Nation Police Action in Korea in 1950 –1953. 1. Canadian forces fought and died in this war to protect South Korea from the North Korean and Communist Chinese forces. E. In the latter part of the 20th Century Canada has had reasons to maintain strong armed forces. 1. Canada has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 2. Under Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson Canada has become a world leader in the use of armed forces for peacekeeping. a. Canadian peacekeepers played a prominent role in the Greek-Cypriot conflict. b. Canadian peacekeepers were helpless in the face of massive genocide. c. Canadian forces helped keep the peace in the Balkans. III. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 changed the focus of Canada's armed forces. A. The military has taken on a new role in the field of anti-terrorism. 1. National security in the face of terrorism has become a more important role of the military. 2. The military has taken on a great deal of responsibility in the area of border security. 3. The Canadian military has been actively involved with its US counterparts in the war against terrorism in North America. B. The Twenty-first Century and terrorism have redefined the role of our military. 1. Canada has become a leader in the anti-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan. 2. Canada has sent forces to help the people of Haiti regain control of their country and government. C. The changes in the role of the military have not been without their problems. 1. Government funding to the military has been cut. 2. The equipment the military uses has gotten old and worn out without being replaced. 3. The morale of the members of the Canadian Forces is very low. IV. There are a number of things that could lead to an improvement in the situation of the military in Canada. A. Increased government support would greatly benefit the military. 1. An increase in government funding is needed. 2. The government must commit money to upgrading equipment. 3. The benefits and working conditions of the members of the armed forces must improve. B. There is a need for new members in Canada's armed forces. 1. A better quality recruit would improve the forces. 2. Better incentives would encourage better quality recruits.