Learn your Roman numerals. You probably did this in elementary school, but you might need a refresher. Roman numerals use the upper-case letters I (one), V (five), X (10), L (50) and C (100). The numbers in between are formed by addition and subtraction. For instance, the number two is 1 plus 1 or "II." For subtraction, put the number to be subtracted before the number it is subtracted from. Thus, 4 is written as 5 minus 1 or IV. For addition, the number to be added goes after the number it is added to. Thus, 12 is written as 10 plus 2 or XII. In writing a paper, you'll probably only use the Roman numerals I, V and X.
Create your thesis statement. This is your main idea or argument, the point of your paper or your proposal. Then start formulating the main points you want to make in your article to defend or support this main idea. These are what you'll put in your outline, using Roman numerals to separate and organize your ideas.
Start numbering your outline with Roman numeral I. Insert your thesis statement on the same line after this number.
Continue filling in the main points in support of your main idea or thesis statement on lines numbered with Roman numerals II, III, IV, V and so on for as many as you have.
Write capital letters A, B, C and so on beneath the Roman numeral I. Here you'll list secondary points in support of or to explain your thesis statement.
Move on to Roman numeral II. This is your next major argument or point. Repeat the use of A, B and C steps to further explain point II. Continue with your next major point using Roman numeral III and so on. If any of the main Roman numeral topics need more explanation or detail, these are numbered with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).
Number the final section with a Roman numeral to designate your conclusion, and sum up the arguments you've made in the preceding section. The Conclusion should reiterate the points made in your thesis statement but not introduce any new ideas.