Outlining

Outline• is a snapshot of your paper, capturing

the important points

• helps you to take your paper from a clear introduction to a logical conclusion, supported by your research

• is essentially a guide to writing your paper, something like an of assembly instructions

Outlining• It helps you to organize your paper and keeps you on track  • Your preliminary research give you enough knowledge about your topic to make a general outline. 

Outlining• You may need to make some

adjustments to your outline as you go along and discover more about your topic.• If you make a good outline and

follow it carefully, you will have a sound finished product.

Tips for Writing an Outline• Arrange your information

logically, and include an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

• The introduction should state the subject of your paper and the areas you will focus on.

Tips for Writing an Outline• The body should be divided into main topics.• Each main topic should be divided into subtopics which support it.

Tips for Writing an Outline• List key points you want to

cover for each subtopic.

• You may have further details for the key points.

• Your conclusion should briefly sum up your main topic.

Outline (Alphanumeric)• Title

       I. Introduction      II. Main Topic           A. Subtopic                1. Key point                2. Key point                    a. Detail                    b. Detail           B. Subtopic                1. Key point                2. Key point      III. Main Topic             A. Subtopic                  1. Key point                  2. Key point       IV. Conclusion

Reminders• Avoid only having one point or sub-point on any outline level. • If there is an A, you also need a B. If there is 1, you also need 2.

Reminders• Take your outline seriously, and it will go a long way in helping you logically construct your paper. • Many essays fail because their general structure and organization is weak.

Reminders• Your outline should not be your

essay in a different form. Make sure that you are only writing the major assertions, or referencing specific details/examples. • Your outline should be concise.

Sample ParagraphIf you sleep in a tent, the most important

thing to look for in a good camping spot is the quality of the ground. First, the ground has to be level. People who sleep in a tent sleep on the ground. For that reason, any jagged rocks or uneven ground can mean trouble. Both problems can cause discomfort and prevent a good night’s sleep. If the ground is not level, it is best to keep looking for a better camping spot. Second, a good camping spot should be on high ground. Low spots are bad, because if it rains, water can collect under the tent. Also, low ground can be spongy and damp.

Sample ParagraphNo one wants a water bed in his tent. Finally, it is really nice to have a few trees around. Leafy tress provide shade. In the summertime they are nature’s air conditioning. Trees also smell good, especially pine trees. They add fragrance to the fresh air. In addition, it’s a good idea to hang your food high in the trees. That way, you are less likely to have unwelcome visitors. Find these qualities in your camping spot, and you will not be disappointed.

Outline• Topic Sentence: If you sleep in a

tent, the most important thing to look for in a good camping spot is the quality of the ground.

• I. The ground has to be level.A. People in tents sleep on the

ground.B. Jagged rocks and uneven ground mean trouble.

Outline• II. A good spot should be on high ground.

A. Low spots can collect rain.B. Low ground can be spongy and damp.

• III. It is nice to have a few trees around.A. They provide shade.B. They smell good.C. They make a camp site safe (from bears).

• Concluding Sentence: Find these qualities in your camping spot and you will not be disappointed.

Topic Outline vs. Sentence Outline•TOPIC OUTLINE •It is brief. •It makes use of word, words, or phrases.•Its parallel structure reveals the logic that you’ll follow in your paper.

Topic Outline vs. Sentence Outline•SENTENCE OUTLINE•It is specific rather than simply generalizing.•It makes use of sentences and end punctuations.

Tips in Outlining1)Do not mix topic and sentence

outline methods.2)Indent properly.3)In a sentence outline, begin

each point with a CAPITAL LETTER and place a period after each division, number, or letter, and at the end of the sentence.

Tips in Outlining4)In a topic outline, begin each

point with a CAPITAL LETTER and place a period after each division, number, or letter. DO NOT place periods after ideas.

5)Strive for parallel wording among outline topics and sub-topics.

Sample Topic OutlineThesis Statement: The abuse of alcohol and drugs can affect a person economically, psychologically, and physically.I. Economical Effects

A. Alcohol 1. Cost of alcohol purchases 2. Cost of driving under the

influence (DUI) or drunk driving

Sample Sentence OutlineI. Alcohol and drug abuse can affect

one economically.A. The cost of alcohol abuse is high and getting higher.

1. Alcohol costs are always rising

because of rising production costs as well as taxes.

2. The cost of DUI or drunk driving can be enormous.

Sample Topic OutlineB. Drugs

1. Cost of drug purchases 2. Cost of drug arrest

II. Psychological effectsA. Alcohol

1. Mental impairment 2. Mental addiction

B. Drugs 1. Mental impairment 2. Mental addiction

Sample Sentence OutlineB. The cost of drug abuse can be high.

1. The cost of drugs fluctuates drastically according to the

type of drug, its availability, and the amount.

2. Even the arrest for the possession of a minute amount of drugs can result in high bail and court cost.

Sample Sentence OutlineII. Alcohol and drug abuse can have

psychological effects.A. Alcohol abuse can damage a person psychologically.

1. Alcohol is a depressant and can

alter the personality of anyone.

2. The abuse of alcohol can lead to

the psychological addiction to alcohol.

Sample Sentence OutlineB. Drug abuse can be detrimental to one psychologically.

1. Drugs impair one’s ability to function normally because of

the hallucination or numbness of “getting high”.

2. Drugs can become a psychological addiction.

Sample Topic OutlineIII. Physical effects

A. Alcohol 1. Liver disease 2. Alcohol poisoning

B. Drugs 1. Brain damage 2. Drug overdose

Sample Sentence OutlineIII. Alcohol and drug abuse can affect

one physically.A. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause

physical problems. 1. The most common disease

among alcoholics is cirrhosis of the liver.

2. The massive consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning and death.

Sample Sentence OutlineB. Drug abuse has many physical implications.

1. Drug abuse has been linked to

the damage of brain tissue. 2. The unpredictability of drugs

can lead to an overdose and death.

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