SAMPLE INFORMAL OUTLINE

Thesis: Working as a literacy volunteer taught me more about learning and friendship than I ever expected.

Paragraph 1: Learned about the learning process

– Went through staff training program

– Learned about words “in context”

Paragraph 2: Discovered the importance of reading for Marie

– Couldn’t take bus, walked to grocery store

– Couldn’t buy certain products

– Couldn’t write out grocery lists

Paragraph 3: Marie increased her self-confidence

– Made rapid progress

– Began taking bus

– Helped son with reading

Paragraph 4: Developed a permanent friendship with Marie

– Saw each other often

– Both single parents

– Baby-sat each other’s children

Conclusion: I benefited more than Marie did.