30 Create an Outline
Using an outline will help you organize your information and present your ideas clearly.
Step 1: Create a thesis statement
When writing an essay or research paper, begin by writing a draft thesis statement. A thesis statement is the main argument/idea that you will develop in your paper. You can revise this later if needed.
Step 2: Identify the main ideas that relate to your thesis statement
Based on the readings and research you’ve already done, list the main points you’ll be discussing in your assignment. Put your ideas in the most logical order and think about how each idea supports your thesis/main topic. These main ideas will become the topic sentences for each body paragraph.
Step 3: Identify the supporting points and evidence for each major idea
Each main point will need supporting ideas, details, and evidence that you’ve collected from other sources. Remember, each piece of information or idea must be cited whether you’ve quoted it directly, paraphrased, or summarized the information. The APA citation style is used most often at NSCC. The APA Citation Style Guide will help you get started with examples of how to cite different types of sources, create a reference page, and format your paper.
Step 4: Create your outline
Outlines are used to help identify your main ideas and supporting ideas. In the example below, main ideas are numbered, while the supporting ideas are indented and labelled with letters. Each level of supporting detail is indented further.
Try it!
Create an outline for a paper or assignment for 1 of your courses.
- Write a thesis statement that clearly presents the argument that you’ll make.
- Write topic sentences for each body paragraph.
- Use a multi-level outline, similar to the one in the example above, to create an outline before you begin writing.
Extend Your Learning
- Writing Thesis Statements from The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Writing Topic Sentences written by Jenny Hall and Jerry Plotnick, University College Writing Centre, University of Toronto.
- Sample Essay Outline from the Student Learning Centre, Ontario Tech University.
A statement that presents the main idea, opinion, or theory.
"A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved." [1]