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James Sprunt Community College
Use this page to find print and online resources to help you with all aspects of writing, including grammar, word usage, and essay organization.
Organizing your ideas is necessary for a cohesive, coherent essay. Find tips in the Developing an Outline section in the Purdue OWL.
Following is a basic outline format for a simple 5-paragraph argument paper. This is just a model and not intended to replace specific instructions in your classes.
ST #1 – support thesis, supporting argument, or topic sentence
CD #1 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #1
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CD #2 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #1
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
ST #2 – support thesis, supporting argument, or topic sentence
CD #1 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #2
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CD #2 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #2
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
ST #3 – support thesis, supporting argument, or topic sentence
CD #1 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #3
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #1
CD #2 – concrete detail, evidence, outside source for ST #3
CM #1 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
CM #2 – commentary, analysis of CD #2
A paper's format includes all elements of its visual presentation. Instructors may include formatting requirements in the course syllabus or paper assignment. You may be required to use a certain style (e.g., MLA, Chicago, or APA). Whatever the case, pay attention to these directions. Formatting your paper correctly is part of the assignment.
| Element | Microsoft Word 2010/2013 location |
|---|---|
| Margins | Page Layout ribbon |
| Font | Home ribbon |
| Line-spacing | Home ribbon Choose 1.0 for single-spacing or 2.0 for double-spacing |
| Page numbers | Insert ribbon Make sure the font matches the rest of your paper |
| Works Cited or References page | Insert ribbon, then Page Break to jump to next page |
| Title page | Insert ribbon, then Page Break to jump to next page Use only if style guide or instructor requires |
| Indented block quotation | Home ribbon, then Paragraph menu Use only if style guide or instructor requires |
If instructed to format your paper in the MLA, Chicago, or APA style, see the Cite Sources page for resources related to those styles.
Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students – 
Schaum's Easy Outlines: Writing and Grammar – 
The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English – 
English Grammar for the Utterly Confused – 
The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources – All websites, articles, images, videos, etc., linked on this site are provided for informational purposes only. External content is not maintained by James Sprunt Community College, nor does it represent the views of the College or its employees. Please notify the library staff if you have concerns about linked content. Students are expected to evaluate all web and print resources and to determine their appropriate academic uses. A hyperlink to a resource or article from these LibGuides does not constitute an endorsement of that resource or article by the library.
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James Sprunt Community College, P.O. Box 398, 133 James Sprunt Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349 | (910) 296-2400
