Some people process their ideas better when they write them down. Additionally, you can easily draw diagrams or examples, which might help you conceptualize the subject. However, it might take longer to write out your outline, and it won’t be as neat. Typing your outline might be easier if your notes are already typed on the computer, as you can just copy and paste them into your outline. Copying and pasting also allows you to easily rearrange your sections, if necessary. Also, 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’s harder to jot down notes in the margins or draw out organizational diagrams.

If you’re working on a creative project, such as a novel, identify your concept, genre, or premise. Then, allow the outlining process to help you structure your work. It’s okay if your topic is somewhat broad when you first start, but you should have a direction. For example, your history paper topic could be French life during the German occupation of France in World War II. As you write your outline, you might narrow this down to the resistance fighters called maquisards.

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

Paraphrased ideas Quotes Statistics Historical facts

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

For example, you may be writing a paper about policy change. 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 point in your outline.

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

1. 0 - Incremental policy change fosters compromise 1. 1 - Both sides influence the policy 1. 1. 1 - Each side presents a case before the vote 1. 1. 2 - Citizens voice their opinion 1. 2 - Neither side gets everything they want

You might use short phrases to quickly organize your ideas, to outline a speech, or to create an outline that’s just for you. You might use full sentences to make it easier to write a final paper, to make a good study guide, or to fulfill the requirements of an assignment.

If you jotted down your ideas or made a mind map, use different colored highlighters to identify ideas that belong in the same group. Sort your index cards, if you used them to brainstorm. 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.

For example, your main point might be that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein champions emotion over reason. Your subpoints might be that Victor Frankenstein is restored by 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 speech, pick the subtopic with the most supporting materials, and lead with this argument. From there, order your major subtopics so each one naturally flows into the next. Your broad ideas should connect back to your thesis or controlling idea. If they don’t, rewrite your thesis to reflect the main ideas you’re putting into your outline.

Hook to grab the audience 1-2 general statements about your topic Thesis

Phrase outline: II. Frankenstein champions emotion over reason Full sentence outline: II. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley champions the use of emotion over reason.

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

In an essay, this is often where you “prove” your argument. For a creative work, you might include essential details you must include in that scene, such as an internal conflict in your main character. Similar to subpoints, you may have more supporting details, depending on your purpose. A novel or study guide will likely have more supporting details.

Alphanumeric: Roman Numeral Capital Letter Arabic Numeral Lowercase Letter Arabic Numeral in Parentheses Decimal: 1. 0 1. 1 1. 1. 1 1. 1. 1. 1

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

This also gives you a chance to look for missing parts or ideas that aren’t fully fleshed. If you see areas that leave questions unanswered, it’s best to fill in those gaps in information.

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

It’s a good idea to have someone else check it for errors, as it’s often hard to recognize errors in your own work. While you edit your outline, refer back to your assignment sheet or rubric to make sure you’ve completely fulfilled the assignment. If not, go back and correct the areas that are lacking.

You can use more layers if you want to include more information. You might also include additional layers for a long creative work or a detailed study guide.