Isaac_Asimov
Assignment Objective: Organize your thoughts and the main points of your research for your final paper in outline format.
Assignment Instructions: To help you complete Assignment 4: The Final Paper you will submit an outline to organize your thoughts and main points. Your outline should be formatted a specific way and must contain the elements described below.
To prepare for this assignment, I recommend that you do the following:
Read these directions carefully.
Read the grading criteria below. The grading criteria is a detailed evaluation that I will use to assess your outline. It also will help you understand what is expected of you as you prepare your assignment.
Email me with any questions!
Be sure to add your name to your outline.
The outline format: Your outline must be formatted as described. Please note that this format will be assessed in your grade:
Use an alphanumeric sequence
Sections should be indented and aligned
Follow the suggested order of the required elements
Use brief and bulleted but detailed and descriptive phrases.
The required elements: Your outline should contain the following elements in this order:
I. The Introduction: This section previews your topic and the details you will cover in the body of your paper.
II. The Body (Content Sections): In the body, you must address the elements and organization of your Final Paper.
A. Element 1:
B. Element 2:
C. Element 3:
D. Element 4:
III. The Conclusion Section: this section should contain four to six points that sum up the main points from the body of the outline.
IV. Reference section: Your outline should include both a separate reference page containing a minimum of five sources listed in proper APA reference list format AND internal citations throughout the outline where appropriate. Please be sure to see the resources below for assistance regarding in-text citations and reference list formatting, and/or ask me if you have any additional questions.
Please make note of the following tips and tricks:
I understand that this is a rough draft and, as your research and writing continue over the next few weeks, details may be added or changed. Although you do not have to resubmit it to me, I recommend that you update this outline to help you best complete the Final Paper.
Write your outline so that it has detailed bullets that you can easily then flesh out into sentences and paragraphs in your final paper.
After your outline is complete, I recommend that you next draft your introductory and conclusion sections for your paper. This will ensure that all the main points of the outline are incorporated in these two framing sections of your final paper.
Please note that less than 10% of your outline or paper should be direct quotes.
All internal citation references should be listed on the reference page, and vice versa.
Additional Resources:
You can use MS Word’s Outline Function to help create your outline.
Also, please see the resources below at the APUS Library: https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/thestartingpoint.html
For more information on how to format in-text citations and references lists, remember this link: https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/apa-style-guide-info.html
Evaluation: Please review the Paper Outline Grading Rubric that describes how your outline will be graded.
