Sample Outline

Balancing an outline

Your paper will probably be more effective if you try to present your findings so that the different parts are about the same length. If you are researching two books, for example, you should give approximately the same space to each.

Note: Always check with your instructor to see what outline style is preferred!

Title: "The Benefits of Running"

1. Introduction
   1. Running is becoming an extremely popular sport for all ages.
   2. Running is a great form of exercise because it helps people control their weight, develop muscles, and improves mental and physical performance.

1. Body
   1. Weight control
      1. Aids self-control
      2. Burns calories
      3. Encourages a healthy diet
      4. Suppresses appetite
   2. Muscular Development
      1. Improves tone
      2. Enhances contours
      3. Increases strength
      4. Improves endurance
   3. Psychological well-being
      1. Aids sleep
      2. Inhibits depression
      3. Intensifies vitality
   4. Cardiovascular Fitness
      1. Strengthens heart
      2. Lowers blood pressure
      3. Changes blood lipids
      4. Improves circulation

1. Conclusion
   1. Benefits of running make it an excellent exercise.
   2. People who want to improve their health should consider running.

Source: Excerpted and adapted from Writing Research Papers, by Melissa Walker

Outline Template

Title: ______________________________

1. Introduction
   1. ______________________________
   2. ______________________________

1. Body
   1. ______________________________
      1. ______________________________
      2. ______________________________
      3. ______________________________
      4. ______________________________
   2. ______________________________
      1. ______________________________
      2. ______________________________
      3. ______________________________
      4. ______________________________
   3. ______________________________
      1. ______________________________
      2. ______________________________
      3. ______________________________
   4. ______________________________
      1. ______________________________
      2. ______________________________
      3. ______________________________
      4. ______________________________

1. Conclusion
   1. ______________________________
   2. ______________________________