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The outline is a list of topics arranged in an order that
supports your thesis. It may take several forms depending
upon your assignment.
1. Informal
Outline
An informal outline is usually a simple list of main
ideas and supporting information.
Example:
- Darwin's creative talent (Introduction)
- Darwin's scientific career
- Publication of The Origin of Species
- Creative process of problem solving
- Summary of Darwin's creativity (Conclusion)
2. Formal Outline
A formal outline uses either topic or sentence entries
and has a specific format.
3. Topic Outline
Outlines of this type are often used to organize a short
essay or to write out study notes.
Example:
I. Introduction - Darwin's creative talent
(Main idea & basis of Thesis Statement.)
A. Darwin's career (supporting idea)
B. The Origin of Species (supporting idea)
C. The creative process (supporting idea)
Il. Darwin's scientific career
(This is an expansion of the first supporting
idea (A) in the Introduction.)
a. The early years (supporting idea)
b. Voyage of the Beagle (supporting idea)
4. Sentence
Outline
The sentence outline is most often used when organizing a
long essay or research paper. Because it requires sentences
to express each idea or detail, this outline forces you to
think each point through carefully before including it in
your paper.
Example:
III. Publication of The Origin of Species
creatively expanded existing theories. (an expansion of
supporting idea (B) in the Introduction.)
a. The theory of evolution upon which Darwin
based his ideas was already known. (supporting idea)
1. Lamarck proposed the idea of evolution
in 1815. (detail)
2. Buffon's studies on evolution were very similar
to Darwin's. (detail)
b. Darwin based his argument on years of careful
study and observation. (supporting idea)
IV. The exact nature of the creative process remains a
mystery. (an expansion of supporting idea (C) in the
Introduction.)
V. Conclusion - Darwin's apparent genius seems to have
been a combination of training, perseverance, talent for
observation, and good fortune. (Main idea which concludes
the essay.)
Remember
- An outline must be consistent. If you begin with
full sentences, you must continue with full
sentences.
- In a formal outline, any heading or sub-heading
which is to be divided must have two or more topics
listed under it.
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