The working outline is an initial method of organization--a starting point for note taking. It will probably change. The working outline is a listing of the areas that you think you will be addressing in your research. It is not, however, a random listing. By this time, you have completed your introductory reading, framed a thesis statement for your limited topic, and compiled a working bibliography. This outline, then, is an outgrowth of these efforts.

With your thesis statement before you, list the main points that you plan to cover in the paper. A first listing may include as many as ten points. Review the list and combine similar points, omit irrelevant ones, and limit those that are too broad. Try to express your ideas in concise phrases. Ultimately, you should have a list of four to six ideas or topics, designated by Roman numerals, which will constitute the divisions of your working outline.

Sample Working Outline

The Implications of Violence in Television Programming

Thesis Statement: Because of increasing concern over television's influence on violence and crime, the television industry should assume responsibility for regulating the extent and nature of violent acts in television programming.

     I.  Amount of violence on television
    II. Connection between violence on TV and violence in the streets
   III. Ratings race among networks
    IV. Censorship in the media

next page