Formal Outline THESIS: Organization is the key to a successful, formally written research paper. I. Introduction A. Shocking statistic. 1. 2/5 freshman fail writing courses because they do not organize their thoughts successfully. a. They can organize better by having a writing plan 1) Use mind maps 2) Use questions 3) Answer questions (those answers become topics) a) What is my purpose? b) What do I intend for my audience to get from this? c) Why is this important (to me or the audience)? i. Issue of public resonance ii. Can change the way people think iii. Might help someone. B. Transitional Sentence II. Body One A. Topic Sentence 1. Quote that supports topic B. Transitional Sentence III. Body Two A. Topic Sentence 1. Quote that Supports topic B. Transitional sentence NOTE: The minimum requirement for the outline is at least 10 paragraphs (roman numerals I-X). Each paragraph should contain a minimum of a clear complete topic sentence and one quote that supports that topic from your research. You must follow the numbering guidelines/format (clearly identified above). .