1. Use the following format in constructing an outline for English 111 papers:

Thesis (with attached essay map): The Winged Chariot is a better car to buy than the Tortoise because of its options, safety.

Introduction

  I. Options

A. The bare basic Tortoise

B. The fully loaded basic Winged Chariot

  II. Safety

A. The poor safety record of the Tortoise

B. The well-designed and well-equipped Winged Chariot

 III. Economy

A. The high maintenance and performance costs of the Tortoise

B. The efficient and easily maintained Winged Chariot

Conclusion

In this case, you can tell how many paragraphs there would be in the paper (including the introduction and conclusion) by counting the undivided subheadings (there is usually no need to have a separate paragraph for a divided heading):

Introduction: Paragraph 1

I. A.: Paragraph 2

I. B.: Paragraph 3 (Notice that A and B together form I, which thus does not require a separate paragraph.)

II. A.: Paragraph 4, and so on: 8 paragraphs altogether

NB The above is an outline for a contrast (or comparison) paper. Not all outlines need be so symmetrical as that. Usually, however, at least one Roman numeral heading will be subdivided into capital letter headings (at least one paragraph on each subheading) to ensure that the topic of the paper will be fully developed.

2. Keep the headings at each level in parallel form. The following mixed phrasing is unacceptable:

I. Economy

A. The Tortoise's lack of economy

B. The efficient and easily maintained Winged Chariot

II. The importance of safety [etc.]

3. Use all topics or all sentences in the outline; do not mix them like this:

A. The bare basic Tortoise

B. Basic models of the Winged Chariot are fully equipped.

4. Be sure that the headings are distinct and do not overlap with one another, as in this example:

 II. Safety

III. Accident reports

"Safety" probably includes "accident reports," so the latter should probably not be a separate heading in the outline. Be sure also that the main subject of the paper is not itself a heading in the outline:

  I. Women in country music

 II. Abused wives in country music songs

III. Working women in country music songs

The subject of the whole paper--women in country music--covers both items II and III, so it cannot be considered a heading equal to those two and should not be included in the outline.

5. Remember that all outlines for English 111 papers should be two-level outlines. 

At least one roman numeral headings should be subdivided into subheadings (A, B, etc.) so that you will be encouraged to develop topics fully and specifically. But notice also that you should never include any one-item subheadings. Outlining is a process of division, and, since nothing can be divided into one part, I without II, A without B are logical impossibilities. The following is illogical and impossible:

 II. Marital relationships in country music

A. Spousal abuse

III. Working women in country music

In this case, a possible B under II might be "Infidelity." If you cannot think of a B to accompany an A, however, you are noticing that your main heading simply needs to be made more specific:

  II. Spousal abuse in country music.

Back to English 111. Back to directions for in-class paper.  Back to group exercise in contrast. Back to sample prewriting.