Creating an Outline

What is an Outline? An outline is a hierarchical way to display related items of text to graphically depict their relationships. Outlines are used to: –help the writer organize his or her thoughts before getting bogged down in word choice and sentence structure –show which ideas need illustration or elaboration –help the writer decide on an organizational technique for the report, whether it be logical, chronological, or categorical in nature

How to Write an Outline I. Roman Numerals A. Capitalized Letters 1. Arabic Numerals a. lowercase letters *In order to have an “A” you must have a “B.”*

Introduction of an Outline Expand your thesis statement to a paragraph; analyze the purpose of your work and the ways to achieve it. I. Introduction to African American Hero A. General background information B. General background information C. Thesis

Body Paragraphs of an Outline Propose the most important ideas in the form of headings and subheadings. This will be the body of your work. II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Detail B. Detail C. Detail III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Detail B. Detail C. Detail IV. Body Paragraph 3 A. Detail B. Detail C. Detail

Conclusion of an Outline Ensure you have covered all the points you talked about in the thesis statement; summarize them in your conclusion. V. Conclusion of African American Hero A. Restate thesis with new insight B. Expand on insight C. Conclude

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines Parallelism –Each heading and subheading should preserve parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb, the second heading should be a verb. –Example: I. Choose Desired Colleges II. Prepare Application

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines Coordination –All the information contained in Heading 1 should have the same significance as the information contained in Heading 2. The same goes for the subheadings (which should be less significant than the headings). –Example: I. Visit and evaluate college campuses II. Visit and evaluate college websites A. Note important statistics B. Look for interesting classes

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines Subordination –The information in the headings should be more general, while the information in the subheadings should be more specific. –Example: I. Describe an influential person in your life A. Favorite high school teacher B. Grandparent

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines Division –Each heading should be divided into 2 or more parts. –Example: I. Compile resume A. List relevant coursework B. List work experience C. List volunteer experience