Doing a topic sentence outline forces you to spend a great deal of time up front thinking about your message and the logic of your presentation.
You should use complete, declarative, analytic sentences in a topic sentence outline.
Preparing this kind of outline makes writing your paper much easier because you have to put down in black and white your statement of synthesis and all the core assertions that support it.
Reminder: Even a good outline does not guarantee a good paper. Problems in analysis, logic, and organization-not apparent in the outline-can become clear when you write your paper.
Title (contract with reader)
I. Summary
Statement of synthesis.
II. Background-optional
Topic (umbrella) sentence for paragraph.
III. Heading (substantiation)
Most to Least important
Primary core assertion for section's summary paragraph-if you have summary paragraph.
Core assertion for second paragraph.
Core assertion for third paragraph.
Core assertion for fourth paragraph.
IV. Heading (perspective)
Most to Least important
Primary core assertion for section's summary paragraph-if you have summary paragraph.
Core assertion for second paragraph.
Core assertion for third paragraph.
V. Heading (perspective)
Most to Least important
Primary core assertion for section's summary paragraph-if you have summary paragraph.
Core assertion for second paragraph.
Core assertion for third paragraph.
Core assertion for fourth paragraph.
VI. Outlook or prospects (future direction of the issue)
Most to Least important
Primary core assertion for section's summary paragraph-if you have summary paragraph.
Core assertion for second paragraph.
Core assertion for third paragraph.
VII. Implications for United States or a particular consumer (can combine with outlook)
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