Create an outline of information. The outline should be consistent with APA guidelines for a formal outline.

Writing the Outline

Use your brainstorming notes and the following steps to create an outline for your essay

Please read steps 1 through 4 before beginning your outline.

1. Type each of the major elements of the thesis sentence into a document using Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.). Appropriate information can then be placed in the outline as listed below.

2. Insert capital letters under each major element and write the main ideas of the essay: I. A., then I. B., etc.

3. Add numbers under each letter to insert additional details: A. 1., A. 2., etc.

4. Include any supplementary material in lower case letters within parentheses under each number: 1. (a), 1. (b), etc. Do not use a period after the closing parenthesis for these minor elements. See the sample outline under II. F. Social Change 1. Paulo Freire (a) (b) and 2. John Dewey (a) (b) to see an example of formatting.

5. Write the paper based on your outline.

6. Review the outline after writing the paper to be sure that the paper is organized correctly.

This step is part of the rewriting process.