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  • Writing Process
    • Common Errors in Writing
    • Drafting and Revising
    • MLA Parenthetical Citations
    • Outlines
    • Paragraph Development and Thesis
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You are here: Home / Writing Process / Outlines

Outlines

Why create an outline?
·        Aids in the process of writing
·        Helps organize ideas
·        Presents material in a logical form
·        Shows the relationships among ideas in writing
·        Constructs an ordered overview of writing
·        Defines boundaries and groups
How do I create an outline?
·        Determine the purpose of the paper.
·        Determine the audience for the paper.
·        Develop the thesis of the paper.
Then:
·        Brainstorm: List all the ideas to be included in the paper.
·        Organize: Group related ideas together.
·        Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.
·        Label: Create main and sub headings.

Remember: creating an outline before writing a paper will make organizing thoughts a lot easier. Whether students follow the suggested guidelines is up to them, but making any kind of outline (even just some jotting down some main ideas) will be beneficial to most writing processes.

Sample Outline
Outline Template
I. Introduction
A.        Running is an extremely popular sport for all
ages.
B.        Running is a great form of exercise because
it helps people control their weight, develop
muscles, and improves mental and physical
performance.
II. Body
A. Weight control
1.        Aids self-control
2.        Burns calories
3.        Encourages a healthy diet
4.        Suppresses appetite
B. Muscular Development
1.        Improves tone
2.        Enhances contours
3.        Increases strength
4.        Improves endurance
C. Psychological well-being
1.        Aids sleep
2.        Inhibits depression
3.        Intensifies vitality
D. Cardiovascular Fitness
1.        Strengthens heart
2.        Lowers blood pressure
3.        Changes blood lipids
4.        Improves circulation
III. Conclusion
A.        Benefits of running make it an excellent
exercise.
B.        People who want to improve their health
should consider running.
Title ______________________________
I. Introduction
A.        ____________________________
B.       ____________________________
 
II. Body
A.       __________________________________
1.  ______________________________
2.  ______________________________
3.  ______________________________
4.    ______________________________
B.        ___________________________________
1.    ______________________________
2.    ______________________________
3.    ______________________________
4.    ______________________________
C.        __________________________________
1.    ______________________________
2.    ______________________________
3.    ______________________________
4.    ______________________________
D.        __________________________________
1.    ______________________________
2.    ______________________________
3.    ______________________________
4.    __________________________________
III. Conclusion
A.        ______________________________
B.        ______________________________
*Adapted from http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/writing/sampleoutline.html and http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/544/02/.

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