Writing Assignment and Checklist: Making an Outline

Create an outline using the thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting details you have developed in this chapter. Arrange your ideas according to chronological order, spatial order, or order of importance. As you work on your outline, complete the checklist below.

CHECKLIST

Making an Outline

FOCUS

  • Reread your thesis.
  • Review your support points and details.
  • Think about your audience and purpose.

ASK

  • Do you have at least three supporting points for your thesis?
  • Does each supporting point have at least one supporting detail?
  • What order would work best for your writing purpose: chronological order, space order, or order of importance? (Review the table “Order of Importance.”)
  • Does your instructor require you to use a formal outline format?

WRITE

  • Put your thesis statement at the top of the outline.
  • List your three main support points as topic sentences, following chronological order, spatial order, or order of importance.
  • Include supporting details in complete sentences under each topic sentence.
  • Draft a main point for your concluding paragraph.

You now have a clear main point with support, organized in a logical way. In the next chapter, you will begin drafting your paragraph or essay.