TOPIC OUTLINE: (all should be parallel)

Example of Topic Outline

Several aspects must be considered in writing a topic outline.

 Recall that all headings and subheadings must be words or phrases, not sentences.
 Also, the wording within each division must be parallel.
 Finally, as in any outline, remember that a division or subdivision cannot be divided into one part;
therefore, if there is an "A" there must be a "B," and if there is a "1" there must be a "2."

I. Family Problems

A. Custodial: Non-custodial Conflicts

B. Extended Family

C. Adolescent's Age

II. Economic Problems

A. Child Support

B. Women's Job Training

C. Lower Standard of Living

D. Possible Relocation

1. Poorer Neighborhood

2. New School

III. Peer Problems

A. Loss of Friends

B. Relationships with Dates

SENTENCE OUTLINE:
Example of Sentence Outline

Several aspects must be considered in writing a sentence outline.

 If you have chosen to write a sentence outline, all headings and sub-headings must be in sentence form.
 As in any outline, remember that a division or sudivision can not be divided into one part; therefore, if
there is an "A" there must be a "B," and if there is a "1" there must be a "2."

Negative Effects of Divorce on Adolescents

I. When family conflicts arise as a result of divorce, adolescents suffer. (should be parallel with II,III,…)

A. During the first year, these young people may be depressed due to conflicts between the custodial and non-
custodial parents. (should be parallel with B,C,…)

B. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often restricted by visitation provisions.

C. Almost without exception, adolescents find divorce very painful, but they react in differing degrees depending
on their age.

II. Some of the most negative effects on adolescents may be associated with economic problems.

A. The family will most probably experience a lower standard of living due to the cost of maintaining two
households.

B. Some female custodial parents have poor job skills and must train before entering the job market.

C. The lower standard of living may result in misunderstanding and conflicts within the family.

D. The decreased standard of living, particularly for an untrained female custodial parent, often causes
relocation.

1. The family may have to move to a poorer neighborhood in order to cut costs.

2. As a result, the adolescent may have to attend a different school.

III. Adolescents from divorced families often experience peer problems.

A. Due to relocation and prejudice, adolescents may lose friends.

B. The lack of a solid relationship with both parents affects an adolescent's attitude toward the opposite sex.

PARAGRAPH OUTLINE:
Topic:

Title:

Topic sentence

Here are some examples:

Topic Sentence: There are many reasons why pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world.
The topic is “pollution in ABC Town is the worst in the world” and the controlling idea is “many
reasons.”

Topic Sentence: To be an effective CEO requires certain characteristics.

The topic is “To be an effective CEO” and the controlling idea is "certain characteristics."
Topic Sentence: There are many possible contributing factors to global warming.
The topic is "global warming" and the controlling idea is "contributing factors."

Topic Sentence: Fortune hunters encounter many difficulties when exploring a shipwreck.
The topic is “exploring a shipwreck” and the controlling idea is “many difficulties.”

Topic Sentence: Dogs make wonderful pets because they help you to live longer.
The topic is "dogs make wonderful pets" and the controlling idea is "because they help you to
live longer."

Topic Sentence: Crime in poverty-stricken areas occurs as a result of a systemic discrimination.

The topic is "crime in poverty stricken areas" and the controlling idea is "systemic
discrimination."

Topic Sentence: Teen pregnancy may be prevented by improved education.

The topic is "teen pregnancy may be prevented" and the controlling idea is "improved
education."

Topic Sentence: Remodeling a kitchen successfully requires research and a good eye.
The topic is "remodeling a kitchen" and the controlling idea is "requires research and a good
eye."