Step 4 -- TOPIC OUTLINE

1. Outline briefly WHAT YOU WILL COVER in your paper.

2. ORGANIZE it in chart form as in the example below.

3. Everyone will have an introduction (which will include the thesis statement) and a conclusion. Please do NOT copy or use the same format as subject headings II-IV. Yours WILL be different, depending on your topic. Think about your thesis statement--what are you trying to prove? How are you going to prove that?

Perhaps you want to start by discussing the other side--what do they believe and why. Then move into your topic. Or maybe you want to start with the points where people will agree with you and then move into your "controversial" topic after.

3. You must follow the numbering as in the example below: (I,a, b, i, ii etc.)

I. Introduction

a. Story of one mother's medical problems after abortion (catchy beginning)

b. Definition of abortion

c. Abortion is medically unsafe for the mother.

II. The how and the why

a. Abortion statistics

b. Why women choose abortion

i. Unintended pregnancies

ii. Health issues

iii. Family pressures

III. Opinion of the medical community

a. Those who are for abortion (in spite of the danger to the mother)

b. Medical evidence for health risk of abortion

i. Greater risk of future miscarriages

ii. Cervical damage

iii. Hemorrhaging

c. Testimonies of doctors who have performed abortions

IV. Women who have had abortions

a. Personal testimonies

b. Examples of grave illness and death

V. Conclusion

a. Restatement of thesis statement (in other words)

b. Ending on reflective note