what is an outline a plan to narrow down your topic

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An outline is a great way to organize ideas and information for a oral communication, an essay, a novel, or a study guide based on your class notes. At first, writing an outline might seem complicated, but learning how to practice it will give you an essential organizational skill! Outset by planning your outline and choosing a structure for it. And so, you can organize your ideas into an like shooting fish in a barrel to understand outline.

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Sample Outlines

1. i

   Decide if yous will write your outline by hand or type it. If yous're preparing your outline just for your own use, choose what works best for you. If you're preparing your outline for an assignment, follow your instructor'southward directions.

   • Some people process their ideas better when they write them downwards. Additionally, you can hands draw diagrams or examples, which might help yous conceptualize the subject. However, information technology might take longer to write out your outline, and it won't be equally neat.
   • Typing your outline might be easier if your notes are already typed on the figurer, equally yous tin just copy and paste them into your outline. Copying and pasting besides allows you to easily rearrange your sections, if necessary. As well, it will be easier to copy and paste information from your outline into your paper if you type your outline. On the other hand, it'due south harder to jot down notes in the margins or draw out organizational diagrams.

2. 2

   Narrow downward your topic. Outlines aid yous organize your thoughts, ideas, or enquiry regarding a topic. Without a main topic, your outline has no purpose. Your topic may be based on an consignment or could stalk from a personal goal.^[1]

   • If you're working on a creative project, such as a novel, place your concept, genre, or premise. Then, allow the outlining procedure to help you construction your work.
   • It's okay if your topic is somewhat wide when yous starting time offset, only you should have a direction. For example, your history paper topic could exist French life during the German occupation of French republic in World War II. As yous write your outline, yous might narrow this downwardly to the resistance fighters called maquisards.

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3. 3

   Identify the purpose of your outline, such as inform, entertain or reflect. Think near what yous promise to accomplish with your outline. Volition yous complete an essay assignment? Write a novel? Give a speech? This allows you lot to determine what that essay, book, or speech volition do for the reader. Typically, the purpose could be to inform the reader, entertain the reader or share the writer's reflections with the reader.^[ii]

4. 4

   Know your intended audience. In some cases, you lot'll be writing an outline as a class or piece of work assignment. Notwithstanding, many times you are preparing them for yourself, either to help you complete an assignment or to help y'all achieve a goal. If the outline is for schoolhouse or work, you need to follow the formatting instructions and present your ideas in a manner that's understandable to others.^[3]

   • For a school assignment, review the consignment sheet or talk to your instructor. If the outline is for work, utilise an existing outline as a model for yours.
   • If you are the only person who will come across the outline, you can choose formatting that works for you. For example, yous might write your outline in shorthand.

5. v

   Assemble your notes, enquiry or supporting materials, if applicative. In many cases, you'll be incorporating data you gathered through research, notation taking, or personal feel. It'due south important to review this information before you lot outset your outline considering yous'll be pulling your points and subpoints from information technology. You might contain some of the post-obit:^[iv]

   • Paraphrased ideas
   • Quotes
   • Statistics
   • Historical facts

6. half-dozen

   Brainstorm to identify your argument or main ideas. Jot down your ideas, important bits of research, and any questions you might desire answered. For a artistic project, you might write downwardly scene ideas or plot points. Write downwardly everything y'all might include in your outline. You can always eliminate ideas afterward! Here are some means to organize your thoughts:^[5]

   • Freewrite equally ideas come up to you.
   • Create a mind map.
   • Write your thoughts on index cards.

7. 7

   Develop a thesis or decision-making idea for your outline. In nigh cases, this volition exist the thesis y'all use to complete the last production, such as an essay.^[half-dozen] Still, it'due south okay to use a general controlling idea or premise when outlining for a novel or study guide.^[seven] Your thesis volition help guide your outline as you create sections and subsections organizing your information.

   • For example, you may be writing a paper about policy modify. Your thesis might read, "Policy makers should take an incremental approach when making policy changes to reduce conflict, allow adjustments, and foster compromise." Each of the 3 reasons listed in your thesis will become its own main signal in your outline.

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1. 1

   Write an alphanumeric outline for the easy arroyo. Although you might not recognize the proper noun, nigh outlines follow the alphanumeric format. Each level of your outline will be organized using a letter or number. Here'south how an alphanumeric outline is organized, moving from main ideas to subpoints^[8] :

   • Roman Numerals - I, 2, III, 4, V
   • Capitalized Letters - A, B, C
   • Arabic Numerals - i, two, 3
   • Lowercase Letters - a, b, c
   • Arabic Numerals in Parentheses - (1), (2), (3)

2. 2

   Make a decimal outline to highlight the relationship between ideas. A decimal outline looks very like to an alphanumeric outline. However, a decimal outline only uses numbers, and each sublevel is fix off with decimals. This allows you to illustrate that each sublevel is a function of a larger statement. Here'south how it might look:^[9]

   • one.0 - Incremental policy alter fosters compromise
     • one.one - Both sides influence the policy
       • one.one.1 - Each side presents a case earlier the vote
       • 1.one.ii - Citizens voice their opinion
     • 1.two - Neither side gets everything they desire

3. 3

   Make up one's mind if you want to write full sentences or brusque phrases. Almost outlines include brusk phrases, which are as well called topic outlines. Still, using full sentences can assist you better understand your ideas. If y'all're writing a paper based on your outline, then total sentences will give you a head start on your terminal newspaper.^[10]

   • You might employ short phrases to quickly organize your ideas, to outline a speech, or to create an outline that'south merely for you lot.
   • You might apply full sentences to make it easier to write a concluding paper, to brand a adept study guide, or to fulfill the requirements of an assignment.

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1. 1

   Grouping your ideas together. Review your brainstorming, placing related ideas in the same group. It's okay if you have a lot of information at commencement. You can e'er eliminate ideas you lot realize are unnecessary. These groups will go principal points, so narrow your groups down until yous take your desired number of master points. For an essay or speech communication, that often ways 3, merely a creative slice may have more.^[xi]

   • If you jotted down your ideas or made a listen map, use unlike colored highlighters to place ideas that belong in the same group.
   • Sort your index cards, if yous used them to begin. Put cards with related ideas together. For example, you can put them in stacks, or you can line your cards out in rows to make them easier to read.

2. 2

   Put each group in gild from broad ideas to specific details. Broad ideas are more likely to be your primary points, while details are the bits of information you lot volition employ to support those ideas. Depending on the purpose of your outline, you may take many subpoints and supporting details. Nonetheless, aim to have at least 2-three subpoints and two-3 supporting details for each principal idea.^[12]

   • For case, your primary point might be that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein champions emotion over reason. Your subpoints might be that Victor Frankenstein is restored past nature and that his scientific efforts create a monster. As supporting details, you might include quotes from the book.
   • If you're writing a story or presenting a historical argument, a chronological order makes sense. For an essay or oral communication, choice the subtopic with the most supporting materials, and lead with this statement. From there, club your major subtopics then each one naturally flows into the next.
   • Your broad ideas should connect dorsum to your thesis or decision-making idea. If they don't, rewrite your thesis to reverberate the main ideas yous're putting into your outline.

3. three

   Outline your introduction as the first master point for a spoken communication or essay. You can apply either phrases or full sentences, depending on which you lot chose to apply. Some people prefer to write out their introduction, which is also okay. Here are the points you demand in your introduction:^[13]

   • Hook to grab the audition
   • i-2 general statements near your topic
   • Thesis

4. 4

   Create your body headings, if you oasis't already. The outline headings are your chief points. You'll label these headings with Roman Numerals for an alphanumeric outline (I, Two, III) or with Arabic Numerals for a decimal outline (i.0, 2.0, three.0). If you're writing an essay, this would be the body of your essay. These ideas should exist drawn directly from your thesis or decision-making idea.^[14] For instance, your outline heading for the principal signal presented higher up would look like this:

   • Phrase outline: II. Frankenstein champions emotion over reason
   • Total judgement outline: II. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley champions the utilise of emotion over reason.

5. 5

   Write at least ii subpoints for each principal idea. Your subpoints are the second level of your outline, so you'll label them every bit A, B, or C for an alphanumeric outline or to 1 decimal identify for a decimal outline (1.1, ane.2). These are the ideas that further explain your primary point. In an essay, they might be your reasons for making your argument. In a creative work, they might be parts of your plot point.^[15]

   • Depending on the purpose of your outline, you might take more subpoints. For example, a novel may have many subpoints. Similarly, a written report guide will likely take several subpoints, as well.

6. half dozen

   Add together at to the lowest degree 2 supporting details for each subpoint. Supporting details back up or illustrate the indicate you're making. They might include direct quotes, statistics, facts, or examples. This is the tertiary level of your outline, and so you'll utilise Arabic Numerals for your alphanumeric outline (one, 2, 3). For a decimal outline, you'll go to 2 decimal places (1.1.2).^[xvi]

   • In an essay, this is often where you "bear witness" your argument.
   • For a creative piece of work, yous might include essential details you must include in that scene, such as an internal disharmonize in your main character.
   • Like to subpoints, you may have more than supporting details, depending on your purpose. A novel or study guide volition likely accept more than supporting details.

7. 7

   Include more layers of your outline, if necessary. Nearly bones outlines will include three layers, merely yous may need more than. If this is the instance, you can proceed creating sublevels using the formatting construction yous chose, either alphanumeric or decimal. For example, you lot might demand more layers to provide more details. In the Frankenstein example above, you might include a 4th layer to write out your commentary about the quotes you used to support your betoken. Here'south how you would continue your layering:^[17]

   • Alphanumeric:
     • Roman Numeral
     • Capital Letter
     • Arabic Numeral
     • Lowercase Letter
     • Standard arabic Numeral in Parentheses
   • Decimal:
     • 1.0
     • ane.ane
     • 1.i.1
     • 1.1.ane.1

8. 8

   Outline your conclusion, if you're writing an essay or speech. Don't expect to write out your final conclusion, as it will be much easier to write it once y'all've completed the essay or speech. However, it's a adept idea to start organizing your thoughts. Your subpoints might include the following:^[18]

   • Restate your thesis.
   • 1-2 summarizing sentences.
   • Write a concluding statement.

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1. 1

   Read over your outline to make certain you've achieved your purpose. Your outline should relate back to your thesis or main thought, accost the purpose y'all set out to achieve and reflect your audition. If it doesn't, you may demand to revise your outline.^[19]

   • This also gives you lot a chance to look for missing parts or ideas that aren't fully fleshed. If y'all meet areas that leave questions unanswered, it'south best to fill up in those gaps in information.

2. 2

   Revise your outline if ideas are missing or not fleshed out. In some cases, you may need to add more than information, such as additional supporting details. The revision process allows you to practise that. Y'all might as well want to rewrite sentences or phrases to make your ideas clearer.^[xx]

   • If you lot are making an outline for yourself, you lot might not worry about this.

3. 3

   Edit your outline if you lot're turning it in for an assignment. Bank check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting flaws. This volition ensure you get full credit for your work. Keep in mind that it'southward okay to have sentence fragments if you're making a phrase outline.^[21]

   • It's a good idea to have someone else cheque it for errors, as it'south ofttimes difficult to recognize errors in your own work.
   • While you edit your outline, refer back to your consignment sheet or rubric to make sure you've completely fulfilled the assignment. If not, get back and right the areas that are lacking.

4. four

   Add layers if necessary. If you need to add boosted sub-layers, use lowercase Roman numerals (i, 2, iii, four, etc.), then lowercase letters (a, b, c, d, etc.) and then finally switch to numbers again (1, two, 3, 4, etc.). In most cases, iii or four layers will exist enough. Try to combine points starting time before y'all add together a fifth.^[22]

   • You lot tin can utilise more layers if you want to include more data.
   • Y'all might also include additional layers for a long creative work or a detailed study guide.

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Add New Question

• Question

  What kind of outline is best for a research report?

  

  Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate Schoolhouse of Education in 2014.

  

  Exam Prep Tutor

  Expert Answer

  It's best to start with a stiff thesis statement that includes your reasons. And so, dedicate each trunk paragraph to 1 of your claims, as well as the bear witness that supports it. Brand certain yous break down your evidence in your trunk paragraphs.

• Question

  Will this help for an experiment for an online schoolhouse?

  

  Yes, having an outline will help you familiarize yourself with the process of something. It is your guide for your experiment, whatsoever kind is it. Having an outline is like planning.

• Question

  How do I write an outline quickly when I am under fourth dimension pressure during exams?

  

  Begin with reading the test question speedily but thoroughly. As yous read, jot downwardly the major points that occur to you lot immediately. Then address the outline, setting a fourth dimension limit of ii to 5 minutes to fix information technology, filling in additional elements that didn't occur to you initially. Don't allow anything yous can't call up of to concord you up, it can be added equally y'all go - the outline is simply a quick, rough skeleton of ane when it's created within an test.

• Question

  How can I create a simple outline for a fiction story?

  

  Y'all could plan out your characters and plot every bit well as different parts, similar setting. If you take a theme or moral add that besides. It may be hard to write a lot, only take it deadening and practice.

• Question

  How do I write a personal outline about my life?

  

  Think most any you want to write about that happened in your life, and then brand an outline in either chronological guild or in gild of what yous think is important, based on your own writing power.

• Question

  How can I go an 100% on my outline?

  

  Make sure yous follow the instructions exactly. Have a thesis statement, and make certain the torso supports the thesis.

• Question

  When do you write an outline? Why should you write an outline?

  

  The outline is meant to be washed as the first step of your paper, outline, etc. It gets your ideas down on paper, gets your mind-wheels turning, without having to bargain with all of the fancy and tedious details that come with putting your ideas into complete sentences. It helps to cascade out your listen, organize your inquiry, and structure your final vision earlier yous practice the bodily writing. It likewise helps to "road-map" your writing when you get to that stride.

• Question

  When writing an outline, is information technology okay to employ sub central points to justify the reader'south or person's perspective?

  

  Yes. You can organize your outline nonetheless yous desire.

• Question

  How practise I write an outline paper?

  

  You should have v sections: 1. Introduction 2–4. At least 3reasons 5. Conclusion

• Question

  How exercise I write an outline?

  

  Follow the instructions listed in the commodity to a higher place.

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• Be concise and straightforward in your outline. This doesn't take to exist perfectly polished writing; information technology simply has to get your point beyond.

• Don't be afraid to eliminate irrelevant information as you deport more research near your topic and narrow your focus.

• You can apply outlines every bit a memorization tool. Choose curtailed words to trigger a concept.

• Y'all tin can apply specialized software or a text editor template to structure an outline automatically. For instance, Microsoft Discussion lets you create an outline document, or format information technology your own mode.

• Indent each level of your outline 0.v to ane inch (ane.3 to 2.5 cm) by the previous level to brand information technology easier to recognize each level. Keep in mind that this might not piece of work well if you write full sentences.

• If you notice show that contradicts your argument, don't ignore information technology. Include it in your outline, and use sub-steps to summarize your counter-argument.

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• Generally, you should avoid only having ane point or sub-indicate on any outline level. If there is an A, either come up with a B or fold A's idea into the next level upwards.

• Your outline should not be your essay in a different grade. Only write downward the major assertions, non every unmarried detail.

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Article Summary X

The easiest way to write an outline is to gather all of your supporting materials, similar quotes, statistics, or ideas, before getting started. Adjacent, get over your materials and take notes, group like ideas together. Then, organize your ideas into subtopics and utilize your materials to provide at to the lowest degree two supporting points per subtopic. Be sure to keep your outline curtailed and clear, since you'll accept to refer to information technology afterwards! For more help on how to programme and organize your outline, read on!

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