Outlining an Essay

 An outline is a list of information you will put in your essay.

 Writing an outline serves some functions and purposes like:

 Show you what to write before you actually begin writing.
 Help make your essay well-organized and clearly focused.
 Keep you from forgetting any important points.
Sample
I. Introduction
A. Guiding ideas:
 start with a sentence that catches the attention of the reader
but also introduce the subject.
B. Thesis statement:
 name the main points in the same order in which they will be
discussed in the essay body.
II. Body
A. First main idea.
 Topic sentence
 Supporting evidence for the main idea (explanation and
detail)
B. Second main idea
 Topic sentence
 Supporting evidence for the main idea (explanation and
detail)
III. Conclusion
A. Re-statement of your topic (i.e, it means re-wording not simply
cutting and pasting).
B. Final thought.
 Don't Support Nuclear Energy!
I. Introduction
Thesis statament:
 Nuclear power is not a good energy source for the world.
II. Body
A. First main idea.
 Very expensive
Topic sentence:
 Nuclear fuel is expensive
Supporting evidence
o Nuclear power stations are expensive to build and operate
o Cost of construction
o Cost of training workers
o Cost of safety features
B. Second main idea
 Nuclear materials are not safe
Topic sentence:
 Nuclear fuels are dangerous
Supporting evidence
o Mining fuels produces radioactive gas
o Working with radioactive fuels can harm workers
o Nuclear waste products are dangerous (Difficult to dispose of or
store safely)
C. Third main idea
 There is a great possibility of accidents
Topic sentence:
 Nuclear power stations can fail
Supporting evidence
o Three Mile Island, USA (1979)
o Tarapur, India (1992)
o Darlington, Canada (1992)
o Chernobyl, USSR (1986)
o Kola, Russia (1991)
o Tokaimura, Japan (1999)
o Kozloduy, Bulgaria (1977)
o Moruroa, the Pacific (1981)
III. Conclusion
 Because of the cost and the danger, the world should develop
different types of energy to replace nuclear power.
Task 1: Label each statement (T) for thesis statement, (M) for main
idea, (S) for supporting point, or (C) for conclusion.
a- Develops clear thinking
b- Physical benefits
c- Improves concentration
d- Reduces fear, anger, and worry
e- Mental benefits
f- Improves blood circulation
g- Improves digestion
h- Helps you feel calm and peaceful
i- Develops self-confidence
j- Doing yoga regularly can be good for your mind, your body, and your emotions.
k- Makes you strong and flexible
l- Therefore, to build mental, physical, and emotional health, consider doing yoga.
m- Emotional benefits
 a b c d e f g h i j k l m
S M S S M S S S S T S C M

Task 2: Arrange the above ideas into an outline.

I. Introduction
 Thesis Statement:
II. Body
 First main idea:
 Supporting evidence for the main idea (explanation and detail)
 Second main idea:
 Supporting evidence for the main idea (explanation and detail)
III. Conclusion
Task 3: Outline the following essays.
Text 1: Changing English: the African American Influence
Text 2: The Computer Revolution
Text 1: Changing English
I. Introduction
Thesis Statement:
 African Americans influence/impact on American English.
 African Americans contribution to American English lexis.
II. Boby
First Main Idea:
Words introduced (by African Americans) to English.
A. Ok
- African Slaves used a phrase ‘OK’ to mean ‘Alright’.
- Americans Started using Ok to mean ‘Alright’.
B. Jazz
- African American Musicians played jazz.
- The word jazz integrated into American English.
Second Main Idea
African Americans Changed the meaning of English words.
A. Cool
- Cool describes either temperature ‘not warm but not too cold’ or
a person’s attitude ‘calm’.
- African Americans used ‘cool’ to mean ‘good’.
B. Square
- Square describes a shape.
- African Americans use it to mean ‘too old-fashioned and not
flexible’.
III. Conclusion
Restatement of the Thesis Statement
Part of English vocabulary is due to African influence.
Final Thought
Ethnic groups and upcoming immigrants will further enrich English.
 Text 2: The Computer Revolution
I. Introduction
Guiding Ideas:
 Technological innovations (cars) have their benefits and side-
effects.
Thesis Statement:
 Personal computers shortcomings.
II. Boby
First Main Idea:
A. Computer communication (mails) is laborious.
- Reception of hundreds of instant undesirable messages.
- Illustration: Chicago Herald Tribute newspaper reporter.
B. Absence of internet censorship.
- Anyone can post any staff on the net.
- Consequence: open access to pornography and sex-chatting.
Second Main Idea:
A. Computer business-related crimes: Hacking.
- Hackers target secret business information and online financial
transactions.
- Illustration: Kevin Mitnick:
 Hacked 20.000 credit card numbers;
 Wiped out a big comapny accounting records;
 Increased fear of customers’ accounts roberry.
Third Main Idea:
A. Face to face business intercourse drops out.
- Sales and purchases are conducted via computers, phones and
faxes.
B. Co-workers social interaction declines due to telecommuting.
- Illustration: insurance company worker: Meredith Bruce.
 Telecommuting
 Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which the employee
works outside the office, often working from home or at a location
close to home (including coffee shops, libraries, and various other
locations).
 Writer
 Journalist
 Receptionist
 Web designer

www.flexjobs.com/
 III. Conclusion
Restatement of the Thesis Statement:
 Personal computers toll on human lives.
Final Thought:
 Solutions should be devised so as to enjoy new innovations.