Every piece of writing starts off somewhere right? An idea, a quick jot down of facts and subjects? Well no matter what, each and every piece of written work should have started off as an outline. An outline breaks down your thesis in a very clear organized way. Outlines make it much easier to write a document because they have already organized your thoughts into a list which reminds you of the “path” to write.
Outlines are very structured. They consist of a thesis, points and sub points all marked by using roman numerals, letters and numbers.
For Example if I was writing an outline this is how I would set it up:
I. This would be my thesis statement as well as the INTRODUCTION in my paper.
II. First topic (Start of the BODY)
A. Subtopic
B. Subtopic
1. More in depth information on a subtopic
2.
III. Second Topic
A.
1.
2.
B.
C.
IV. CONCLUSION (this should just restate your thesis, not give out new information)
Until all subjects and points are covered that are needed, outlines can be as long as desired.
It is very important that when writing an outline you don't make it wordy and long. Outline topics should be only a few words, and sub points should be the same, maybe a short sentence length. All in all the point of an outline is to be sort, vague and just represent the ideas which will be explained through the paper.
Here are some rules to remember when outlining:
- Subdivide topics with a system of letters and numbers followed by a period. All subtopics should be indented a little from the last topic so that roman numerals line up, letters line up etc.
- Each heading and subheading must have at least TWO parts
- Headings for parts should not be labeled using Conclusion or Introduction
- Be consistent with your outline, place topics in the order of which you wish to write.
Follow these simple rules and tips and you have yourself a great ouline. Have fun writing your paper. And remember, always stay professional!
Resources:
Cushman, Marion. " How to Write an Outline." 1 January 2001. http://www.lavc.cc.ca.us/library/outline.htm
"How to Write an Outline." http://www.albany.edu/eas/170/outline.htm
Great post, I really liked the graphics you used and it was very informative.
ReplyDeleteJannifer U did it again !@! great post . Im totally agree with idea that outline is the best way to orginize one's ideas !! It's just like notes that great writers used to make before writing the masterpeices!!
ReplyDeleteKeep up great work!!
More voice on your posts, Jennifer. I like your cartoon at the end but am not sure what it has to do with outlining. You have lots to talk about as a college student on the subject of outlining. How does outlining help you?
ReplyDeleteI have never reall had trouble getting my papers started. Words and ideas have always been able to flow out of my head pretty easily. (Which can be a good and a bad thing lol) Anyways, Writing an outline is the absolute best way to brainstorm all your ideas and arrange them to make a great paper. Very important post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteYour work cited is a little shaky.
ReplyDelete