Sampleoutlines

Formats of outline
提纲的格式
Sample Outlines
Types of outline:
1. Alphanumeric Outline 字母数字混编式提纲
The College Application Process
I. Choose Desired Colleges
A. Visit and evaluate college campuses
B. Visit and evaluate college websites
1. look for interesting classes
2. note important statistics
a. student/faculty ratio
b. retention rate
II. Prepare Application
A. Write Personal Statement
1. Choose interesting topic
a. describe an influential person in your life
(1) favorite high school teacher
(2) grandparent
2. Include important personal details
a. volunteer work
b. participation in varsity sports
B. Revise personal statement
III. Compile resume
A. List relevant coursework
B. List work experience
C. List volunteer experience
1. tutor at foreign language summer camp
2. counselor for suicide prevention hotline Full
2. (Full) Sentence Outline
I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming.
A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific community to be harmful.
1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of hazardous greenhouse gases.
3. Decimal小数的Outline
Chapter I Choose Desired College
1.1 Visit and evaluate college campuses
1.2 Visit and evaluate college websites
1.2.1 Look for interesting classes
1.2.1.1
1.2.2 Note important statistics
Essay Outline Sample [Template]
I. Introduction
A. Get the reader's attention by asking a leading question; relay
something enticing about the subject in a manner that
commands attention. Start with a related quote, alluring
description, or narration.
B. State the thesis, the causes and effects to be discussed;
comparison of subject X and subject Y; your position on the issue;
your proposal if applicable; and the main points that will develop
your argument.
II. Body
. First Point, Assertion, Explanation
1. Supporting evidence (examples, facts, statistics, quoted
authorities, details, reasons, examples)
2. Supporting evidence
A. Second explanation
1. Support
2. Support
B. Third explanation
1. Support
2. Support
C. Fourth explanation (continue as above with additional explanations as needed.)
1. Support
2. Support
D. Your proposal (if applicable)
E. Address opposing viewpoints
III. Conclusion
. Show how explanations (causes) are logical reasons producing the effects discussed; review subject X and subject Y; reiterate your assertion and proposition (if applicable). Reemphasize your thesis in a fresh way, showing how your have achieved your purpose. If you intend to draw to a conclusion about one subject over the other, emphasize that point.
A. Deal with opposing views unless done above in Section F.
B. Appeal to the reader to see how you have come to a logical conclusion.
C. Make a memorable final statement.
Sample Outline
Title "The Benefits of Running"
I. Introduction
A. Running is becoming an extremely popular sport for all ages.
B. Running is a great form of exercise because it helps people
control their weight, develop muscles, and improves mental and
physical performance.
II. Body
A. Weight control
1. Aids self-control
2. Burns calories
3. Encourages a healthy diet
4. Suppresses appetite
B. Muscular Development
1. Improves tone
2. Enhances contours
3. Increases strength
4. Improves endurance
C. Psychological well-being
1. Aids sleep
2. Inhibits depression
3. Intensifies vitality
III. Conclusion
A. Benefits of running make it an excellent exercise.
B. People who want to improve their health should consider
running.
Outline Template
Title ______________________________
I. Introduction
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
II. Body
A. ______________________________
1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
C. ______________________________
1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
III. Conclusion
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
Examples
Topic Outline
Choices in College and After
Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work.
I. Two decisions described
A. Art history or chemistry
1. Professional considerations
2. Personal considerations
B. A third year of French?
1. Practical advantages of knowing a foreign language
2. Intellectual advantages
3. The issue of necessity
II. Definition of the problem
A. Decisions about occupation
B. Decisions about a kind of life to lead
III. Temporary resolution of the problem
A. To hold open a professional possibility: chemistry
B. To take advantage of cultural gains already made: French Sentence Outline
Choices in College and After
Thesis: The decisions I have to make in choosing college courses, depend on larger questions I am beginning to ask myself about my life’s work.
I. I have two decisions to make with respect to choosing college courses in the immediate future.
A. One is whether to elect a course in art history or in chemistry.
1. One time in my life, I planned to be a chemical engineer professionally.
2. On the other hand, I enjoy art and plan to travel and see more of it.
B. The second decision is whether to continue a third year of French beyond the basic college requirement.
1. French might be useful both in engineering and travel.
2. Furthermore, I am eager to read good books which are written in French.
3. How necessary are these considerations in the light of other courses I might take instead?
II. My problem can be put in the form of a dilemma involving larger questions about my whole future.
A. On the one hand I want to hold a highly-trained position in a lucrative profession.
B. On the other hand I want to lead a certain kind of life, with capacities for values not connected with the making of money.
III. I will have to make a decision balancing the conflicting needs I have described.
A. I will hold open the professional possibilities by electing chemistry.
B. I will improve and solidify what cultural proficiency in another language I have already gained, by electing French.
Sample outlines
I. A sample outline and the essay written from that outline.
Thesis: It took her eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
1. Topic sentence: It took her eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. (Her mother’s extraordinary influence her mother has been on her life.)
2. (Summary of )main points: She came to love the excitement of learning for the sake of exploring something new and of the sense of life, love, and spirit by community dedication. (The reward of her excitement of learning: exploration of the new and inspiration of life)
Paragraph 2 (First Supporting Point)
1. Transition sentence: “My mother’s enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel.”(optional) (Details)
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ 2. Supporting point: Her mother showed much enthusiasm for learning.
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ 3. Evidence/Supporting details: Her mother learned through travel by using the example of a trip to Greece.
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ Paragraph 3 (Second Supporting Point)
1 Transition sentence: “While I treasure the var ious worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house.” (optional) (Details)
2. Supporting point: Her mother presented strong dedication to the community.
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ 3. Evidence: She joined in the multiple volunteer activities such as helping at the local soup kitchen.
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ Paragraph 4 (Conclusion)
1. Transition sentence:“Everything that my mother has ever done has been overshadowed by the thought behind it.” (optional) (Details)
2. Reiteration of main points: Her mother has enriched her life with her passion for learning, and changed it with her devotion to humanity.
Rewrite the above sentence into a nominal phrase:
_________________________________________________________________ 3. Taking it one step further:“Next year, I will find a new home miles away. However, my mother will always be by my side.” (optional) (Details)
COMPLETED ESSAY
It took me eighteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my mother has been on my life. She’s the kind of person who has thoughtful discussions about which artist she would most want to have her portrait painted by (Sargent), the kind of mother who always has time for her four children, and the kind of community leader who has a seat on the board of ev ery major project to assist Washington’s impoverished citizens. Growing up with such a strong role model, I developed many of her enthusiasms. I not only came to love the excitement of learning simply for the sake of knowing something new, but I also came to understand the idea of giving back to the community in exchange for a new sense of life, love, and spirit.
My mother’s enthusiasm for learning is most apparent in travel. I was nine years old when my family visited Greece. Every night for three weeks before the trip, my older brother Peter and I sat with my mother on her bed reading Greek myths and taking notes on the Greek Gods. Despite the fact that we were traveling with fourteen-month-old twins, we managed to be at each ruin when the site opened at sunrise. I vividly remember standing in an empty amphitheatre pretending to be an ancient tragedian, picking out my favorite sculpture in the Acropolis museum, and inserting our family into modified tales of the battle at Troy. Eight years and half a dozen passport stamps later I have come to value what I have learned on these journeys about global history, politics and culture, as well as my family and myself.
While I treasure the various worlds my mother has opened to me abroad, my life has been equally transformed by what she has shown me just two miles from my house. As a ten year old, I often accompanied my mother to (name deleted), a local soup kitchen and children’s center. While she attended meetings, I helped with the Summer Program by chasing children around the building and performing magic tricks. Having finally perfected the “floating paintbrush” trick, I began work as a full time volunteer with the five and six year old children last June. It is here that I met Jane Doe, an exceptionally strong girl with a vigor that is contagious. At the end of the summer, I decided to continue my work at (name deleted) as Jane’s tutor. Although the position is often difficult, the personal rewards are beyond articulation. In the seven years since I first walked through the doors of (name deleted), I have learned not only the idea of giving to others, but also of deriving from them a sense of spirit.
Everything that my mother has ever done has been overshadowed by the thought behind it. While the raw experiences I have had at home and abroad have been spectacular, I have learned to truly value them by watching my mother. She has enriched my life with her passion for learning, and changed it with her devotion to humanity. In her endless love of everything and everyone she is touched by, I have
seen a hope and life that is truly exceptional. Next year, I will find a new home miles away. However, my mother will always be by my side.
II. Outline/Content of an thesis paper
Title: 呼啸山庄上空的阴霾
---希斯克里夫心理扭曲的外部原因分析
Clouds Hovering Over the Wuthering Heights --- An Analysis of the External Causes Concerning Heathcliff’s Psychological Twists
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Cruelty of the Victorian social background
Chapter 3 The Twist of Heathcliff’s psychology
3.1 Kindness in born
3.2 Change under the mistreat
Chapter 4 T he external causes of Heathcliff’ psychological twists
4.1 From social aspects
4.1.1 Harshness of the social class
4.1.2 Bondage of Christian belief
4.2 From natural environment
4.2.1The desolate position of Wuthering Heights
4.2.2 The wildness of the moors
4.2.3 The harshness of the weather
4.3 From people
4.3.1 The love from Catherine
4.3.2 The hatred from Hindley
4.3.3 The mistreatment of other people
4.4 F rom author’s own unfortunate experience
Chapter 5 Conclusion
Another sample outline of thesis paper
Title:
摇椅上的美国梦---《嘉莉妹妹》的主题分析
The American Dream on the “Rocking Chair”---The Theme Analysis of Sister Carrie Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 The Introduction of the Novel
1.2 The Social Background
Chapter 2 The Theme of American dream
2.1 The Development of the American Dream
2.2 The Consumption Ideology and the American Dream
2.3 The Social Darwinisn and the American Dream
Chapter 3 Carrie and the “Rocking Chair”
3.1 Introduction to the Main Character: Carroline Meeber
3.2 The Desire for the Happy Family
3.3 The Strength to Face the Social Pressure
3.4 The Way to Look Forward
Chapter 4 Hurstwood and the “Rocking Chair”
4.1 The Best Way to Escape the Reality
Chapter 5 Conclusion
Title:
孙悟空与撒旦的反抗精神及其文化意蕴之比较
The Comparison of the Rebellious Spirit of Monkey King and Satan and Their Cultural Connotations
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Brief comparison on the similarities and differences of the two figures Monkey King and Satan
2. 1 The Similarities
2..1. 1 Rebellious spirit against authority
2..1. 2 Courage in rebellion
2. 1. 3 Lofty pursuit of equity and freedom
2. 1. 4 The reasons of the similarities of the two figures
2.2. The differences of the rebellions between Satan and Monkey King
2. 2. 1 Different purposes of revolt
2. 2. 2 Different ways to revolt
2. 2. 3 The result
Chapter 3. The underlying cultural connotations
3.1 Traditional ideologies
3.1.1 The religious thoughts
3.1.2 The philosophical thoughts
3.2 Social environment
Chapter 4. Conclusion。