The Formal Outline - PC\|MAC

The Formal OutlineA Basic Introduction

The Formal Outline. . .

• Is another organization

method in constructing an

essay

• Compliments the research

process

• Alleviates the note card pain

The Formal Outline. . .• Follows the same MLA

guidelines:

• 12 point Times New

Roman font

• Double spaced

• Directly reflects essay

construction

• Does NOT directly reflect

paragraph construction (but it's

close)

Some Simple Rules• Each Roman Numeral = the main sentence of the

paragraph (i.e. thesis statement, topic sentence)

• The only part(s) of the outline that MUST be a

COMPLETE sentence

• Capital letters =

• Textual evidence (DQ or PP)

OR

• Concluding sentence

• Numbers =

• #1 - Introduction sentences

• #2 - Concluding sentences

Some Simple Rules

• Every "I" must have a "II"

• Every "A" must have a "B"

• Every "1" must have a "2"

Outline Example

Thesis Paragraph

I. Thesis statement

A. Hook sentence

B. Summary sentence

CITED

EXAMPLES

Outline ExampleSupporting Paragraph

II. Topic statement

A. 1st cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)

1. Introducing sentence

2. Relevance sentence

B. 2nd cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)

1. Introducing sentence

2. Relevance sentence

C. 3rd cited textual evidence (DQ or PP)

1. Introducing sentence

2. Relevance sentence

D. Concluding sentence

Outline ExampleConclusion Paragraph

Chinese American Greatness

I. Though the Tan family story is somewhat

painful to comprehend, the lasting legacy of

achievement earned by its most famous member

make the family's narrative a worthwhile

account to remember.

A. Shanghaied

B. Struggles of freedom

Thesis Paragraph

First Supporting Paragraph

II. Amy Tan's life may seem like a life of fame and fortune,

but taking the family's struggles into account makes one

understand the sacrifices that were made.

A. Forced to leave (“Amy Tan Biography”)

1. Life in China

2. Tan's writing focus

B. Pains of separation (Bullock).

1. Losing family members to death and China

2. Strong bonds

C. Pains of the Tan family story

Second Supporting Paragraph

III. Tan is able to manifest tragic energy into her

writing and earn some outstanding achievements.

A. First novel – The Joy Luck Club (Turner 212)

1. Tan’s mother’s tragedies

2. Empowers her throughout her career

B. Novels in 35 languages (“Amy Tan Biography”)

1. Continues success

2. Global recognition

C. Creative achievements on a

worldlylevel

Third Supporting Paragraph

IV. Amy Tan has certainly created a legacy that is

sure to leave her mark on all the lives her

writings touch.

A. The Moon Lady and “Siamese Cat” (Turner 301)

1. Additional genres of writing

2. Tan's writing focus

B. Wide array of audience(Bullock)

1. Appearances through different mediums

2. Commitment to youth

C. Legacy solidifies

V. Tan’s life is far from typical and easy,

but she is able to rise above her grief,

acquire great achievements, and ensure her

legacy lives beyond her years.

A. Family's desperation

B. Manifestation of pain

Conclusion Paragraph