Outline Formation in MLA Style
Format Outlines in MLA Style
This article is a detailed description on outline in MLA format as described in the MLA publication manual. Keeping in mind the MLA format guidelines, this outline is developed. An essay topic is elaborated as an MLA format example to make the concept clearer in the minds of the readers.
Before going into detail and elaborating example, it is essential to mention the basic guidelines of MLA format.
Pages are Numbered with the help of Small Roman Numerals
In MLA formatting, the outline pages of the thesis or the research papers are always numbered with the help of Roman numerals. These are used in small alphabets like i, ii, iii, iv and so on.
The Outline begins with the Thesis Statement
The outline always begins with hypothesis or the thesis statement. This statement just comes next to the heading of outline.
Standard Format is Used
To develop an outline, standard format is always adopted. Standard formats means there should be one inch margin on ever side of the paper. This means the top, bottom; left and right margins should always be 1 inch.
Complete Sentences are Used in the Outline
Outline should always be written in complete sentences. Bullet points or incomplete captions should never be used. Basically, MLA format outlines are developed to make the supervisor aware of your thesis idea. So, it must be developed in a professional manner.
Page Number and Writer’s name Should be at the Top
Writer’s name and page numbers in MLA format outline should always be included at the top of every page. This information must be ½ inch from top. It should be included on every page.
Example of an MLA Format Outline
Based on the above mentioned outline, here is an example for further scrutiny.
- Let’s consider you are going to work out the impact of aviation on air pollution.
- The first thing you will develop will be the thesis statement of this environmental issue. You can simply demonstrate that ‘aviation has direct impact on air pollution as it adversely affects the environment.’
- Next to it, you have to demonstrate some more reasons why and how aviation affects the environment.
- For example, in outline you can mention that various scientific studies have proved the same. There is a close link between fuel disposition and its impacts on the environment. Moreover, several authentic records can be presented to defend the outline of the thesis statement.
