Learning Objectives. Define three types of outlines: working outline, full-sentence outline, and speaking outline. Identify the advantages of using notecards to present your speaking outline.

A two level outline is made up of headings for sections and subsection of a paper. A heading is a short. phrase that describes the topic area of the section or subsection represented. A basic, two-level outline.

There are different types of outline formats, like alphanumeric, full sentence, and decimal outlines. In this case, a comparison between the three methods reveals that the full sentence outline is better because it requires a writer to record full thoughts.

Your outline should consist of the three main parts of your speech: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

Introduction

• The background.
• The thesis statement.

How do I write an outline? Identify your topic or thesis statement. Decide what points you would like to discuss during your paper. Put your points in logical, numerical order so that each point connects back to your main point.

An outline is a tool used to organize written ideas about a topic or thesis into a logical order. Outlines arrange major topics, subtopics, and supporting details.

To create an outline:

1. Place your thesis statement at the beginning.
2. List the major points that support your thesis. Label them in Roman Numerals (I, II, III, etc.).
3. List supporting ideas or arguments for each major point.
4. If applicable, continue to sub-divide each supporting idea until your outline is fully developed.

The Thesis Statement The very first step in making your outline is to create a thesis statement.

Example of a full-sentence outline: indicates the start of a new paragraph. So I. is the first sentence of the introduction, II. is the first sentence of the first paragraph of the body, III. is the first sentence of the second paragraph of the body, and so on. Each capital letter (A, B, C, D…)

Remember that a topic outline lists words or phrases. A sentence outline lists complete sentences. A topic outline arranges your ideas hierarchically (showing which are main and which are sub-points), in the sequence you want, and shows what you will talk about.

To outline is to summarize the main points or to draw the outer edge of something. An example of to outline is to write the important details of a planned novel before you write it. An example of an outline is the list of topics to be covered in the report. An example of an outline is the notes on cards for a speech.

An outline, also called a hierarchical outline, is a list arranged to show hierarchical relationships and is a type of tree structure. An outline is used to present the main points (in sentences) or topics (terms) of a given subject. Each item in an outline may be divided into additional sub-items.

For a standard research paper of 15-20 pages, your outline should be no more than few pages in length. It may be helpful as you are developing your outline to also write down a tentative list of references.

The outline for this type of essay usually consists of four main points. An introductory paragraph introducing the reader to the problem. Main body paragraphs that provide arguments to support your opinion. Several sections used to show the weaknesses of the opposing claims.

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps

1. Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic, provide background information necessary to understand your argument, outline the evidence you will present and states your thesis.
2. The thesis statement.
3. Body paragraphs.
4. Conclusion.

A good argument must: have true premises, be valid or strong, and have premises that are more plausible than its conclusion. If a valid argument has a false conclusion, then one of its premises must be false.

2) Quotes From Famous People. To support your argument and create a lip-smacking hook for your essay, start it with a quote from famous people. But make sure it’s relevant to your topic and thesis. Some teachers consider this type of essay hooks too general and overused.

A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes an assertive claim about your topic. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn’t matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement.

Try these creative hook ideas for essays:

1. Start with a question. Asking your readers to think about the topic is a great way to get them ready to hear more.
2. Use descriptive words. Creating a picture in the reader’s mind can make him or her feel connected to your writing.
3. Leave it a mystery.

List of Hook Sentence Examples for Ideas

• Some of the best role models for teens are…
• Getting inspired to do good come from…
• The best way to get homework papers done is to…
• Why is it so hard to…?
• The photo of…
• One of the most shocking facts to date is about…
• A top business secret to know is…

5 common types of essay hooks

• 1 Statistic hook. The statistic hook gives your audience a true and hard fact to latch onto from the get-go.
• 2 Quotation hook.
• 3 Anecdotal hook.
• 4 Question hook.
• 5 Statement hook.

What are the 6 types of hooks?

• Writing Hook #1: The Startling Statement.
• Writing Hook #2: The Anecdote Memoir.
• Writing Hook #3: The Inspirational Quote.
• Writing Hook #4: The Rhetorical Question.
• Writing Hook #5: Shocking Statistics.
• Writing Hook #6: The Musing.

A bad hook will have the opposite effect on readers – they won’t read any further than a few sentences. Let’s say your essay topic is about climate change, here are two hooks.

6 Types of Writing Hooks

• Writing Hook #1: The Startling Statement. A good hook is sometimes something that is completely unexpected.
• Writing Hook #2: The Anecdote Memoir.
• Writing Hook #3: The Inspirational Quote.
• Writing Hook #4: The Rhetorical Question.
• Writing Hook #5: Shocking Statistics.
• Writing Hook #6: The Musing.

7 Tips for Writing a Great Hook

• Your title is your first hook.
• Drop your readers into the middle of the action.
• Form an emotional connection.
• Make a surprising statement.
• Leave your reader with questions.
• Stay away from description.
• Once you have your reader’s attention, keep it.

Types of Attention Getters

• Personal Reference. Personal Reference.
• Rhetorical Questions, Q&A, Questions. Questions.
• Humor. Humor, handled well, can be a wonderful attention getter.
• Quotations/Using Explaining Famous Words on the Topic.
• Startling Statistic/Series of Facts.
• Illustration.
• Curiosity.
• Guided Imagery.

The Story Starter Shed

• I didn’t mean to kill her.
• The air turned black all around me.
• Icy fingers gripped my arm in the darkness.
• Wandering through the graveyard it felt like something was watching me.
• The eyes in the painting follow him down the corridor.
• A shrill cry echoed in the mist.

6 Tips for Writing a Great Opening Line

1. State your theme.
2. Begin with a strange detail.
3. Establish your character’s voice.
4. Introduce your narrative style.
5. Convey the stakes.
6. Set the scene.