I. For the purposes of this paper, (INSERT TOPIC HERE) will be discussed as follows.

A. This sentence establishes the problem or controversial issue that my paper will examine.

1. This is a statement of support or perhaps an example.

2. This is where I need another statement of support.

Sentence Outline

B. A summary of the issues should go in here so that my reader will have an overview of them.

1. An example of one side of the issue would go well here.

2. An example of the other side of the issue would then be necessary here.

C. This is where I will define key terminology, either according to the dictionary or as it is used in my paper.

1. My definition will include the word as it applies to my topic and will be followed by the correct MLA citation.

2. This is an appropriate place to use a quotation for a definition; however, I must be sure to use the correct citation form.

3. I can continue to use definitions in this section for as many words as are necessary for understanding my paper.

a. This is an excellent place for an example of the definition.

b. This is another example of my definition.

D. I will probably have to concede some points of the argument at this point because I either cannot defend against them or they have been proven true.

1. In fact, this is a good place for an example of a concession.

2. This is another place for a point that I will have to give in on.

E. This is where I want to build up the controversial nature of my topic.

1. This is a good place for a quotation or paraphrase about the controversy.

a. I could put in an example here.

b. This is another example.

2. This is another place for an appropriate quote or paraphrase about the controversy.

a. If I have enough material, I could use another example here.

b. This means I have taken really good notes about the background because I have another example.

F. At this point in the paper, I want to write about the past/present relationship regarding this topic.

1. This is a statement about the topic/situation in the past or in its beginnings.

2. This is a statement about where the situation is today.

G. This is a restatement of my thesis, which will determine the focus of the rest of my paper for my reader.

II. This is where I begin the focus of the defense of my thesis by stating my first major point.

A. I am arguing in defense of the side that I have taken by using evidence and good examples.

1. This is a good place for a supporting statement or example.

2. This is another good place for supporting statements or another example.

B. This will be my second major point of evidence.

1. I will support it with good evidence and examples.

2. This will be further support for my point.

C. This will be my third major point of evidence (if I have that much).

1. I will continue to support it with examples and evidence.

2. This will be more evidence.

D. I will continue with as many major points as I have evidence for, including the support and examples that I have included above, using good quotations and paraphrases throughout the body of my paper.

E. Once I have argued my side completely, I will need to analyze the pros and cons of the stand I have taken.

1. Since I have taken a side, it is probable that it is on the pro side of the argument.

2. I will need to be sure to discuss the down side of my argument.

a. This is a good place for an example of the other side.

b. This would be another place for that.

III. This is the point which I am ready to conclude my paper.

A. I have to be sure that my position is clear.

B. I have wrapped up my argument and analysis logically.

C. Sometimes it is a good idea to leave a really good quotation of support to use in my conclusion as a wrap-up.

How to use a signal phrase

• Be sure to introduce the name of the author and the complete source title and date as part of the sentence with the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence the first time a source is used (7).

• Ex: Mark Jones,in his article “Great People of Erie” published in Erie Times-News June 17, 1999, contends that the research teachers at NPCA are the finest, especially in the summer program (D5).

How to use a signal phrase (2)

• Once a source has been introduced, it is not necessary to use the entire phrase again, however, the author’s name and the page number are still required.

• Ex: Jones goes on to note that the students in the summer programs are also among the hardest working in the school (D5).

How to use a signal phrase (3)

• When a source has been retrieved from the internet or from an on-line database, it is necessary to note that in the signal phrase because there will be no page number available.

• In the Higher Education Chronicle article, “Great Teaching Strategies for Research” written by James Williams in 2001 and found on the EBSCO database, he proposes that taking a class in fifteen sessions is the best way to deal with summer school.