Once you have finished your notecards, assemble them and classify them into similar main idea categories. Then, arrange them in an order that makes sense. Follow a similar format used on the preliminary outline. However, now your final outline is specific to your topic and the information you have obtained. This is a topic outline - not a sentence outline. Each item should be a brief phrase telling something you will include in your paper.
EXAMPLE:
I. Introduction
A. GRABBER statement: use a startling statistic, fact, quote or
story to “grab” the reader’s attention.
B. THESIS statement: a general statement about why you are
writing this paper or what you are trying to prove.
C. TRANSITION statement: links the introduction to the main body.
II. Main Body : use the main ideas from your notecard categories
A.
B.
C.
D.
A. Restate your original thesis
B. The CLINCHER: Leave the reader wanting to read more...