Creating an outline
If there is an “A”, there must be a “B” If there is a “I” there must be a “II”
Step 1: Thesis Statement A thesis sums up what the paper will tell the reader. It is not the topic. Should be at least one complete sentence Must be logical The writer must make a claim that he or she can prove with the content of the paper.
Rules for writing thesis statements It must be a complete sentence. It can not be a question. It should be provable with facts, anecdotes, or stories It needs to represent you and your ideas. Do not generalize. Do not use first or second person pronouns. Do not use clichés.
Sample Thesis Statements Topic: The Battle of Gettysburg Thesis: The Battle of Gettysburg changed the momentum of the Civil War. Topic: Mike Piazza Thesis: With his leadership skills, offensive output, and work ethic, Mike Piazza excels as the best Major League catcher in the history of baseball. Topic: Basketball Thesis: Winning basketball games requires a solid team of skilled athletes, not just one superstar.
Sample Process TOPIC: Hershey Park PRELIMINARY OR WORKING THESIS: Hershey Park dominates the Amusement Park world. Working (Preliminary) Outline I. Milton Hershey A. Childhood B. Chocolate Factory II. Hershey Park A. When did it open? B. How has it changed? C. What’s it currently like? III. Other parks A. Disney World 1. Size 2. Cost 3. Number of visitors B. Six Flags 1. Size 2. Cost 3. Number of visitors IV. Why is Hershey Park better?
Rufus Griswold Thesis: Dogs make superior companion animals. I. Benefits of Pets A. General B. Dogs II. Popularity of Dogs A. Most Popular Breeds B. Why Dogs are preferred III. Background on Companion Animals A. Various Types B. Methods of Training IV. Why Dogs are Superior Rufus Griswold Griswold 1 Ms. Polk English 1 4 October 2014 Dogs as Companion Pets Few animals have such a long cohabitation history with humans as dogs do. They frequently bring their owners happiness through their loyalty and unconditional love. However, these traits, when combined with their intelligence and trainability, make the dog stand out as a superior companion animal. There are many advantages to having a pet, including physical benefits like healthier blood pressure and less doctor visits (“Pets: Friends for Life”).
Thesis: Playing sports in high school can be a rewarding experience (Example) Being on a team builds confidence Teamwork teaches cooperation Sports keep kids healthy Sports keep students physically fit Travelling can give students new experiences Teaches discipline Can be fun Students who are active are less likely to get sick Cooperation and competitiveness help students succeed in all areas of life Sports can help students build lasting friendships Can make the student a better person
Thesis: Playing sports in high school can be a rewarding experience (Example) Being on a team builds confidence Teamwork teaches cooperation Sports keep kids healthy Sports keep students physically fit Travelling can give students new experiences Teaches discipline Can be fun Students who are active are less likely to get sick Cooperation and competitiveness help students succeed in all areas of life Sports can help students build lasting friendships Can make the student a better person
Thesis: Playing sports in high school can be a rewarding experience (Example) Being on a team builds confidence Teamwork teaches cooperation Sports keep kids healthy Sports keep students physically fit Travelling can give students new experiences Teaches discipline Can be fun Students who are active are less likely to get sick Cooperation and competitiveness help students succeed in all areas of life Sports can help students build lasting friendships Can make the student a better person
Thesis: Playing sports in high school can be a rewarding experience (Example) Being on a team builds confidence Teamwork teaches cooperation Sports keep kids healthy Sports keep students physically fit Travelling can give students new experiences Teaches discipline Can be fun Students who are active are less likely to get sick Cooperation and competitiveness help students succeed in all areas of life Sports can help students build lasting friendships Can make the student a better person
Thesis: Playing sports in high school can be a rewarding experience (Example) Being on a team builds confidence Teamwork teaches cooperation Sports keep kids healthy Sports keep students physically fit Travelling can give students new experiences Teaches discipline Can be fun Students who are active are less likely to get sick Cooperation and competitiveness help students succeed in all areas of life Sports can help students build lasting friendships Can make the student a better person
I. Being on a team makes the student a better person A. Gives students skills that will help them in all areas of life 1. Confidence 2. Cooperation B. Teaches hard work and determination II. Being on a team makes a student healthier A. Active teens are more physically fit B. Active teens get sick less often III. Sports are fun A. Travelling with a team gives new experiences B. Build lasting friendships
Thesis – Jackie Chan is “The Special” (Practice) Fluently speaks four languages Owns a clothing line Holds the world record for most stunts by a living actor Chan is very intelligent Made more than 100 movies Owns three companies Starred in a cartoon version of his own life Has released 20 albums Successful businessman Responsible for multiple charities Received an honorary doctorate in 2009 Impressive film and stunt career Has won 26 film awards; was nominated for more than 30 others
Thesis – Jackie Chan is “The Special” (Practice) Fluently speaks four languages Owns a clothing line Holds the world record for most stunts by a living actor Chan is very intelligent Made more than 100 movies Owns three companies Starred in a cartoon version of his own life Has released 20 albums Successful businessman Responsible for multiple charities Received an honorary doctorate in 2009 Impressive film and stunt career Has won 26 film awards; was nominated for more than 30 others
Thesis – Jackie Chan is “The Special” (Practice) Fluently speaks four languages Owns a clothing line Holds the world record for most stunts by a living actor Chan is very intelligent Made more than 100 movies Owns three companies Starred in a cartoon version of his own life Has released 20 albums Successful businessman Responsible for multiple charities Received an honorary doctorate in 2009 Impressive film and stunt career Has won 26 film awards; was nominated for more than 30 others
Thesis – Jackie Chan is “The Special” (Practice) Fluently speaks four languages Owns a clothing line Holds the world record for most stunts by a living actor Chan is very intelligent Made more than 100 movies Owns three companies Starred in a cartoon version of his own life Has released 20 albums Successful businessman Responsible for multiple charities Received an honorary doctorate in 2009 Impressive film and stunt career Has won 26 film awards; was nominated for more than 30 others
Thesis – Jackie Chan is “The Special” (Practice) Fluently speaks four languages Owns a clothing line Holds the world record for most stunts by a living actor Chan is very intelligent Made more than 100 movies Owns three companies Starred in a cartoon version of his own life Has released 20 albums Successful businessman Responsible for multiple charities Received an honorary doctorate in 2009 Impressive film and stunt career Has won 26 film awards; was nominated for more than 30 others