The Outline Must Be Done
This assignment requires the creation of a formal sentence outline adhering to MLA formatting standards. The outline should be placed at the top with an MLA heading on the top left corner of the document, followed by the working thesis statement. The thesis is subject to revision as the essay develops.
The outline primarily focuses on the body paragraphs, including background information to provide context and clarify the significance of the topic. It must include at least three supporting reasons that substantiate the main argument, as well as the most prominent opposing view(s). Every point in the outline should be expressed in complete sentences; phrases or standalone words are not permitted in a formal outline. Proper formatting requires the use of numbers, letters, Roman numerals, and indentation to organize the points clearly.
Each "A" item should be balanced with a corresponding "B," and each "1" with a "2." Though points may evolve during the writing process, the initial outline should contain valid reasons that can be sufficiently supported. The layout should include the following structure:
Paper For Above instruction
MLA Heading
: Located in the top left corner, include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date. For example:
John Doe
Professor Smith
ENG 101
15 October 2023
Working Thesis:
Clearly state your thesis here, making sure it is a concise statement of your main argument, not a question.
I. Background:
Provide relevant background information to explain why this topic is important and to contextualize your argument.
Important Details about the context or history.
B.
Additional details that support understanding of the topic.
II. Supporting Reasons:
Each reason supports your main thesis and should be introduced with a topic sentence.
A. Reason 1 - topic sentence
B. Reason 2 - topic sentence
C. Reason 3 - topic sentence
III. Opposing View:
Present the main counterargument or opposing perspective.
A. Explanation of the opposition.
B. Further explanation of the opposition.
C.
A reminder of why your position remains more practical, feasible, or logical despite the opposition. Remember, every item should be a complete sentence, and the outline must follow proper MLA formatting for headings and indentation. This structured approach will ensure clarity and support a well-organized essay.
References
Gibaldi, J. (2009). *MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers*. 7th ed. Modern Language Association.
Turabian, K. L. (2018). *A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations*. 9th ed.
University of Chicago Press.
Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2016). *A Writer’s Reference*. 8th ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2017). *They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing*. 4th ed. W. W. Norton & Company.
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). *The Craft of Research*. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press.
Pechenik, J. A. (2018). *A Short Guide to Writing About Biology*. 8th ed. Longman.
Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). *The Elements of Style*. 4th ed. Pearson.
Horan, K. (2010). *Writing/Speaking/Reading*. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2006). *Introduction to Academic Writing*. Pearson Longman.
Lunsford, A. A. (2014). *The Everyday Writer*. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
