FORMAT FOR A FORMAL OUTLINE
TITLE
Topic:........................................................................................................................
Specific Purpose:........................................................................................................
Thesis statement: ......................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION
Attention materials:.....................................................................................................
Thesis statement: ......................................................................................................
Preview:.....................................................................................................................
(Transition into body of speech)
BODY
I. First main point:......................................................................................................
1.1. Sub-point:................................................................................................
1.1.1Sub-subpoint:...............................................................................
1.1.2 Sub-subpoint:..............................................................................
1.2 Sub-point:.................................................................................................
(Transition to second main point)
II. Second main point:.................................................................................................
2.1 Sub-point:..................................................................................................
2.1.1 Sub-subpoint:...............................................................................
2.1.2 Sub-subpoint:...............................................................................
2.2 Sub-point:..................................................................................................
(Transition to third main point)
III. Third main point:..................................................................................................
3.1 Sub-point:.................................................................................................
3.1.1 Sub-subpoint:...............................................................................
3.1.2 Sub-subpoint:...............................................................................
3.2 Sub-point:.................................................................................................
(Transition to conclusion)
CONCLUSION
Summary statement:..................................................................................................
Concluding remarks:...................................................................................................
Sample of Formal Outline
Title: Life in Greenhouse
Topic: Major causes of greenhouse effect
Specific purpose: To inform listeners of the major causes of the greenhouse effect
Thesis statement: Before we can control global warming. We must understand the
nature and causes of the greenhouse effect Commented [CĐ1]: Stating your specific purpose and other
thesis statement helps you keep them in minds as you outline
your speech
INTRODUCTION Commented [CĐ2]: Labeling the introduction shows that it
Attention materials: Seas rising along our coastlines. Temperature setting new records is an important part of the of the speech
almost very year. Wildfires ranging out of control in West and Commented [CĐ3]: Examples help gain attention. Citing
South. The number and ferocity of hurricanes and tornadoes numerous sources early in the speech enhances credibility
doubling over the past 30 years. There are symptoms of global
warming, the great environmental diseases of our time. But global
warming happens because of a phenomenon called “the
greenhouse effect”
Thesis statement: Before we can control global warming. We must understand the
nature and causes of the greenhouse effect
Preview: We need to understand first, The losses of woodlands, second, Commented [CĐ4]: Previewing the speech helps listeners
harmful agricultural and individual practices, and third, our own follow the message
personal energy consumption
(Transition: “let’s by defining the greenhouse effect’) Commented [CĐ5]: Use Transition helps listeners trach the
progress of the speech
BODY
I. The greenhouse effect is a process by which certain gases in atmosphere retain the heat Commented [CĐ6]: The first main point defines the
of the sun greenhouse effects and provides reasons to listen.
A. This natural process makes earth livable
B. Process now unbalanced by human activities
1. High concentration of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere
2. Artificial heat wave is breaking all temperature records 2023 hottest
year of the millennium Commented [CĐ7]: Placing the citation at the end of the
(This threatens Earth’s climate and many living things – including us! first main point indicates that it is important
(Transition: “Let’s examine the causes) Commented [CĐ8]: This transition signals a change of focus
II. The loss of woodlands adds to greenhouse effect (Kluger, what now”) from explanation to causes
A. Cutting the woods and rain forests for timber is major problem.
B. Deliberate burning to create land for farming is even worse
C. Wildfires in our country are still another symptom of earth sickness
Commented [CĐ9]: The causes of greenhouse effect are
(Transition: “Agricultural and industrial emissions are even greater causes of greenhouse arranged in order to increasing importance. Since the losses
effect”) of woodland contribute less than other causes discussed, it is
receives less attention
III. Farming and industrial practices add more heat to green greenhouse effect (Kluger,
The tipping point”)
Commented [CĐ10]: Third main point is more developed
A. Farming is no small part of problem than the second. The presentation will be more interesting if
1. Frequent tilling releases massive CO2 example are used
[Link] farms add methane
3. Cattle ranches add still more methane
B. Industrial emission from burning fossil fuels – anther big source of problem
[Link] strain to produce more energy
2. Fleet truck crod the nation’s high ways
3. Flocks of airplanes crisscross the skies
(Transition: “Finally let’s consider the most important cause of runway greenhouse
effect”) Commented [CĐ11]: This transition signals a change of
IV. Our personal energy consumption magnifies the greenhouse effect focus
A. Both population and prosperity fuel the problem
1. More people means more energy consumption
2. The request for better global living standards add to the problem
B. We- the Americans are the world energy hogs!
[Link] fuels account for 90% of our personal energy consumption
2. Number of personal cars tripped since 1950
CONCLUSION
Summary statement: Step outside into greenhouse. Listen to the falling trees, watch the
smokestacks darkening the skies, smell the rich bouquet of fumes
Concluding remarks: Future generations will ask: why did we carelessly, willfully,
ignorantly allow this to happen to the world? We did we poinson the
earth Commented [CĐ12]: The conclusion creates a stating image
as it summarizes the message. It use theoretical questions
arranges in parallel construction for concluding remarks
