A statement of points in an outline can help get your thoughts on paper.
A statement of points in an outline clarifies your intentions and ideas for a piece of writing. This type of statement can be either loosely or tightly structured. Statements of points can come in several forms, most often used to help prepare an outline and a thesis statement for an essay.
Three-Point Thesis Statement Outline
The thesis statement sums up the argument of your essay. However, summarizing the entirety of an essay into a single sentence can be intimidating. To help develop a thesis statement, you can use a statement of points known as a three-point thesis statement outline. This outline calls on you to create not just one, but three declarative sentences that communicate the essence of the essay. As you work and revise your piece, the sentences can be reduced down to one single phrase.
Informal Outline
A statement of points can also be used as an informal outline. This statement of points differs from a formal outline, in which numbers, letters, Roman numerals and bullet points are used for a professional product. This less rigid statement of points can be as simple as a list of ideas you have for a particular writing assignment. There is no pressure in an informal outline to craft complete sentences. Rather, the emphasis should be on creating a document that will help you organize your thoughts in a loose way.
Five-Paragraph Theme Outline
A statement of points can take a more formal and detailed structure in the form of a five-paragraph theme outline. The five-paragraph essay, which this type of outline helps you to create, is considered by some to be artificial and inorganic. Nevertheless, it remains a commonly used essay structure. This outline begins with an introduction, which clarifies the thesis statement for the essay. It continues with three body paragraphs, each of which elaborates on one major point of the thesis statement. Finally, the conclusion paragraph summarizes the thesis statement and the essay.
Developing Statements for Points
There are several ways in which you can craft a statement of points, most of them revolving around the eventual creation of a thesis statement. For instance, you could begin by collecting thoughts and ideas that interest you; after having done so, you may notice similarities in your points that can lead to a thesis statement. Conversely, you could start by focusing on drafting a prospective thesis statement, collecting points that reinforce the statement. Either of these methods can allow you to adjust your thesis statement at any time in the process.
