Helpful Resources

Outline & Essay Introduction  

(you can download these instructions as a Word file by right-clicking and choosing Save Target As)

Starting a new outline

1.     On the File menu, click Save, and type your name (First and Last – no periods) in the File name text box, select the Essay folder from the Save in drop down list, then Click Save.

2.     On the View menu, click Outline.
- or -
Press the Outline View icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.

Either way, the Outline toolbar is now on-screen.

3.     Type the outline for your essay using the Promote or Demote buttons on the outline toolbar to change the level of importance of each line you type.  You can also use the Tab key on the keyboard to demote a level or use Shift + Tab to promote a level.

4.     When your outline is complete, print it (Ctrl + P). 

5.     Start a new document by clicking the New button on the Standard toolbar, change to Page Layout View by clicking its button in the lower left corner of the Word window, or by selecting it from the View menu.

6.     Type your essay following your outline, indenting each paragraph as you type.  Center and Bold the title, typing your name on the next line.  Press the Enter key twice after each paragraph.  (Be sure to use the Home Row method of typing, sitting straight and tall in your chair, wrists flat, fingers slightly curved, and feet flat on the floor.)

7.     Don’t forget to spell check (F7) after you have finished typing your essay.

8.     Save frequently (Ctrl + S).  

Typing Essay Instructions

WWWebster Dictionary

Sample Outline

Sample Essay

Extension Activities

Encarta Article - Bill of Rights

Yahooligans! Games - Wordsearch

Make your own Word Search Puzzle with Puzzlemaker

Project Pride in America - Essay Contest