Outlining

Outline your paper before you write.  Notice how the following outline is somewhat different from the actual paper because Erickson decided to reorganize after he started writing.  An outline lets you see what goes in your paper and how it will be organized before you write.  Obviously good writers adapt as they write.

Outline

I.  Introduction

A.  Attention-getter:  Comment on overall importance of the Constitution

B.  Thesis:  The First Amendment’s freedom of the press allows for citizen input, free elections, and a watchdog on the government.

II.  Body

A.  Informed citizens

1.  Vietnam

2.  Demonstrations ended the war

B.  Free elections

1.  Other country’s elections—Mexico, for example?

2.  2000 presidential election

3.  Got to hear all sides so election close

C.  Watchdog

1.  Watergate

2.  Corrupt administration ousted

III.  Conclusion

A.  Summary of how press has kept American free

B.  Closing quote from somewhere

Use the following outline form for your own paper.

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