Assignment: Academic Research Essay Outline

Topic: You may choose your topic so long as it specifically relates to law, society, &/or justice. The only topics you may not write about are abortion, death penalty, or marijuana.

Part 1: Outline the Following Preliminary Ideas for Your Essay:

I. Thesis statement- A one-sentence, overall argument that you assert or your take-away message-a "should"-type statement.

II. A topic sentence for your background information paragraph. This sentence should convey the overall meaning of the paragraph.

III. A "reason" topic sentence. A reason provides a "why" or "because" the thesis statement is true. This sentence states the overall meaning or concept that will be covered in the paragraph.

IV. Another "reason" topic sentence. A reason provides a "why" or "because" the thesis statement is true. This sentence states the overall meaning or concept that will be covered in the paragraph.

V. Another "reason" topic sentence. A reason provides a "why" or "because" the thesis statement is true. This sentence states the overall meaning or concept that will be covered in the paragraph.