Outlining

determine your central thesis

support it with:

Major points

Sub points

Writing Tips

Introductions

            Introduce the reader to the paper itself, to each major section and to each sub-section

            Example: In April,1970 ground forces of the United States and its allies crossed the Mekong River from South Vietnam and entered territory which was part of the sovereign nation of Cambodia. While technically a violation of Cambodian neutrality, that invasion was justified by the military circumstances then in effect.

Headings

            Use narrative headings which summarize the section

            Example: The Law Governing Cross-Border Incursions Limits Their Legality to Circumstances Which Justify An Act of Force Under the Doctrine of Anticipatory Self-Defense

Transitions

            Use the last sentence of each discrete part to bring the reader into the next section and connect the two

            Example: While the invasion was justified by the doctrine of necessity, there is also a strong argument it was legal because Cambodia had ceased to exist as an independent nation.

Example of an Outline

Central Thesis

US Invasion of Cambodia was Justified By Circumstances

I

Law Governing Cross-Border Incursions

A

Traditional Law

-The Caroline

-Customs House Cases

B

Post-Nuremburg Law

The Nuremburg Rules

The UN Charter Standards

II

The Facts Surrounding The US Decision To Invade Cambodia

-US History in Vietnam

-The NVA use of Cambodia for storage and sanctuary

-The Effects of those Uses on US Policy

III

Given The Circumstances Surrounding The Invasion It Was Justified Under International Law

A

The Decision Was Justified By The Doctrine Of Necessity

B

Cambodia Had Arguably Ceased To Exist As A Sovereign Nation

C

The Areas Of Cambodia Under NVA Control Had Ceased To Remain As A Part of Cambodia