The following example shows the most basic outline. As your papers grow longer and more involved in the future, you can always add more sub-points as necessary.
Topic: Social Networking
Thesis: Social networking is beneficial, despite its drawbacks, because it can provide emotional support, help create partnerships, and be used as a tool for the workplace.
Possible Introduction: Social networking is increasingly becoming a popular way for people to stay in touch. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter allow users to connect with old friends, make new acquaintances, and even promote business or find jobs. Still, along with progress comes danger, and many are worried about privacy and other issues that could come from the use of social networking.
Main point 1: I. Emotional Support
Sub-point 1: A. Share joy in order to increase it
Sub-point 2: B. Share sorrow in order to decrease it
Main point 2: II. Create partnerships
Sub-point 1: A. Widen range of friends and acquaintances
Sub-point 2: B. Strengthen ties with those who live far away
Main point 3: III. Tools for the workplace
Sub-point 1: A. Self-employed, exponential advertising
Sub-point 2: B. Display information about new accomplishments
Possible conclusion: Though there are some drawbacks to social networking, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks if it is used properly. A whole world can open up, and interaction with people globally, as well as down the street, can be accomplished. It is best to be prudent and to remember that anything published on the internet remains out in cyberspace forever, somewhere. By keeping this in mind, and using social networking in a positive manner, it becomes a tool that can be most beneficial.
| Conclusion |
There are two main points discussed this week: position papers and writing outlines. Learning about and understanding both of these topics can be beneficial to you as a student and in the workplace as well. You will definitely be asked to write position papers in other classes. An outline can help keep you on target with any paper you write. These skills can also transfer to the workplace. Business reports are simply position papers backed up by data. The most important part of a business report is always going to be the writer’s ideas about the data contained. It is not enough just to gather information. The synthesis is complete when the research materials combine with ideas of the writer in order to espouse and prove a fresh and new idea……………
