While APA style rules do not specify how to properly format an outline, there are some helpful practices you should adhere to when creating one. You can use this downloadable outline template to help you get started with your assignment.Creating an outline can be a great way for you to organize your thoughts and paper structure prior to working on your first draft. This downloadable sample outline will help you understand what a completed outline could look like. This way, your sources are already organized when you begin drafting your essay.

It is not always required, but it can be a good idea to include a references page after your outline.However, if you have done a lot of research on your topic already, you can use Level 3 bullet points to plan out your analysis for each piece of evidence or where to address specific counterarguments. Level 3 bullet points illustrate an extra level of thought and detail in your outline that you might not need.Level 2 bullet points should plan out sub-topics, supporting ideas, and organizational aspects of your essay.Level 1 bullet points should outline the major topics and ideas of your paper.You should be able to look at your outline and write major sections or paragraphs using the information and ideas in your outline.

Remember, outlines should be helpful for you when writing your paper.

Keep the following tips in mind when creating an outline: This can include facts, data, statistics, anecdotes, and more. Evidence and support usually come from other sources, like peer-reviewed journal articles.

Every claim should be supported by evidence or support, the proof that validates your claim.

Claims build off one another in order to develop an argument over the course of an essay.

Every paragraph in your paper should begin with a claim/main idea, which will be a debatable assertion or position that requires support.

A thesis statement is a short statement that introduces the argument of your paper as a whole.Since each paragraph should have a main idea supported by evidence, you can use support from your research to outline your paper, paragraph by paragraph Please note that APA style does not require any specific formatting for outlines because APA style is intended for published texts and academic essays.Īn outline should illustrate the progression of your thesis statement. An outline provides structure for the sections and/or paragraphs of your paper, depending on the scope of your project. Creating an OutlineĪn outline is a drafting tool to help you plan your paper. APA style does not require any specific formatting for outlines because APA style is intended for published texts and academic essays. In this section, you'll find resources on creating Outlines.

Outline apa format example