Outlines

An outline is an organization tool used to help in essay writing and other content papers. It takes the main points of the topic and consolidates them into points that one can elaborate on in their paper. List structure or web structure can be used to accomplish an outline.

''' Organization'''

An outline can be organized in many ways. Someone can use letters and numbers, or use decimal outline. In an alphanumeric outline, the author uses Roman Numerals to start main ideas, then capital letters for smaller ideas. Additional numbers are added for even smaller ideas and possibly lower case letters if you need to go that far. Each smaller section should be indented. Below is an example:

Ex. I. Main Idea
 * A. More specific


 * 1. Even more specific


 * a. Most Specific



The second way to outline using a list is to use the decimal outline. This is where you use numbers for your main points and numbers with decimals for your more specific points. Below is an example: (Cushman

Ex. 1.0 Main Idea


 * 1.1 More specific


 * 1.11 Even more specific

A third way to outline, which is geared more toward the visual learner, is to make a web. It uses lines and bubbles to organize the author's thoughts (see image).

Components of a Good Outline

The first thing that is needed in a good outline is parallelism. This is where it is the job of the author to use the same style and keep everything neat. Choose one of the styles and stick to it. The second is coordination. This is where the author makes sure that each topic has relevant information in each subheading. Do not include extraneous information. The third component is subordination; the author must make sure that the headings and subheadings reflect how specific the content is. As the content becomes more focused and specific, it should be included in a smaller and smaller subheading. The last component is division. Every main heading must be split into at least two subheadings. (Purdue OWL)

 Sources 

Cushman, Marion. "How to Write an Outline." Los Angeles Valley College. 22 Jan. 2001. Web. 07 Oct. 2010.

"Purdue OWL." Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). 17 Apr. 2010. Web. 26 Sept. 2010.

Teaching Information Management Environment. Digital image. Center for Enhancement Learning and Teaching. Web. 26 Sept. 2010.