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A topic outline is used between the note taking and writing stages to organize thoughts for the paper. An outline is useful for seeing the "big picture." At a glance the reader can know what to expect when reading the paper. You show your purpose in the outline.
An outline is like a road map of your paper. In an outline you present your main topics and the order in which you are going to present them. See the sample.
There is an exact form to be followed when writing an outline. Divide the outline into main topics which are further subdivided as needed. If you have a 1, then you must have a 2. If you have an A, then you must have a B. Use capital letters at the beginning of each entry. Do not write in complete sentences. Save the details for the paper. If using the Inspiration software, make the main idea the thesis statement. See the sample.
The thesis statement is a one sentence explanation of the main points of your paper. All main topics are mentioned. The thesis statement will reappear in the introduction of the final paper. See the sample.
Thesis statement: The well organized Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor devastated the U.S. Navy and its Hawaiian base, giving the Japanese control of most of the Pacific Ocean.
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