An outline, or outline, is a great way to organize ideas and information in a speech, essay, novel, or study guide. At first, drafting an outline may seem complicated, but this ability is very useful in organizing writing. Start by planning an outline and choosing a structure. Then, you can pour your ideas into an essay.
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Part 1 of 4: Planning Outlines
Step 1. Decide whether you will outline by hand or typed
If you are preparing an outline only for your own use, choose the one that is most useful to you. When it comes to assignments, follow the instructions given.
- Some people process ideas better when they are written down. In addition, you can create diagrams or examples that emphasize the concept of the subject. However, creating an outline like this may take longer and is not as neat.
- It may be easier to type if your notes are already on your computer because they can be copied directly into the outline. If necessary, you can also easily organize the parts. In addition, information can also be copied and pasted from the outline into the paper. On the other hand, it is difficult to take notes at the edges of the page or draw diagrams in computer documents.
Step 2. Narrow the topic
Outlines help you organize your thoughts, ideas, or research related to the topic. Without a main topic, an outline is pointless. Topics can be based on assignments or from personal goals.
- If you are working on a creative project such as a novel, determine the concept, genre, or premise. Then, let the process of creating an outline help you structure the novel.
- It's okay if the topic is a bit broad at the start, but there should be direction. For example, the topic of your history paper is life in Java during the Japanese occupation during World War II. When writing an outline, narrow this topic to a discussion of Jugun Ianfu, for example.
Step 3. Set an outline goal, such as informing, entertaining, or pondering
Think about what you want to achieve with the outline. Do you want to complete an essay assignment? Write a novel? Give a speech? This allows you to determine what benefit the essay, book, or speech will do to your audience. Usually, the purpose of an essay is to inform, entertain, or recount the author's musings to the reader.
Step 4. Get to know the target audience
In some cases, outlines are made as schoolwork or work. However, it is usually for use alone, either to help complete a task or achieve a goal. For school or work, you should follow formatting instructions and present your ideas in a way that is easy for others to understand.
- For schoolwork, review the worksheet again or talk to the teacher. For work purposes, use an existing outline as an example.
- If only you will see the outline, please select the most suitable format. For example, writing with abbreviations and symbols.
Step 5. Gather notes, research, or other supporting material if any
In many cases, you will need to include information that has been gathered through research, notes, or personal experience. This information is very important to review before making an outline because the points and subpoints of the article will be drawn from there. Maybe you need to include the following points:
- Idea in different words
- Quote
- Statistics
- historical facts
Step 6. Review the main idea or argument
Write down ideas, key pieces of research, and questions you might want answered. For creative projects, write down background ideas or plot points. Write down everything you want to include in the outline. Later, unnecessary ideas can always be deleted. Here are some ways to organize ideas:
- Write down ideas that come up in free language
- Create a mind map.
- Write thoughts on index cards.
Step 7. Develop a thesis or controlling idea for the outline
Usually, this will be the thesis that is used to complete the final product, such as an essay. However, you can use a controlling idea or a general premise when creating an outline for a novel or study guide. The thesis will guide the outline in the creation of sections and subsections that organize information.
For example, say you want to write a paper about a policy change. Your thesis statement could be something like, “Policy makers should take a phased approach when implementing policy changes to reduce conflict, allow for adjustments, and foster compromise.” The three reasons stated in the thesis will be the main points in the outline
Part 2 of 4: Creating Outline Structure
Step 1. Create an alphanumeric outline for an easy approximation
While you may not know the name, most outlines follow an alphanumeric format. Each section of the outline is set with a letter or number. Here's the alphanumeric outline arrangement, from the main idea to the subpoints.:
- Roman Numerals - I, II, III, IV, V
- Uppercase - A, B, C
- Latin numerals - 1, 2, 3
- Lowercase letters - a, b, c
- Latin Numbers in Brackets - (1), (2), (3)
Step 2. Create a decimal structure to show the relationships between ideas
The decimal structure is very similar to the alphanumeric structure. However, the decimal format uses only numbers, and each sublevel is specified with a decimal. This lets you illustrate that each sublevel is part of a larger argument. Decimal writing here does not use commas, but periods, following writing in English format. This is how it looks like:
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1.0 - Gradual policy changes foster compromise
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1.1 - Both parties influence policy
- 1.1.1 - Each party presents one case before the election
- 1.1.2 - Citizens voice their opinion
- 1.2 - Neither side gets all their wishes
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Step 3. Decide whether you want to write complete sentences or short phrases
Most outlines use short phrases, which are also called topic outlines. However, using complete sentences can help you better understand ideas. If you write on paper based on that outline, full sentences will provide a clear start to the final paper.
- You can use short phrases to quickly organize ideas, outline speeches, or outline your own.
- You can use complete sentences to make it easier to transfer to a final paper, to create study guides, or to fulfill assignment requirements.
Part 3 of 4: Organizing Ideas
Step 1. Group your ideas
Gather the studied and related ideas in the same group. It doesn't matter if there is a lot of information initially. Later you can delete ideas that turn out to be unnecessary. These ideas will be the main points so need to be grouped until you get the desired number of main points. For essays or speeches, that means 3 points, but creative work may be more.
- If ideas are written on paper or drawn on a mind map, use different colors to identify ideas that fall into the same group.
- Sort out index cards, if you use them. Collect cards with related ideas. For example, they are stacked or lined up to make them easier to read.
Step 2. Arrange each group in order from broad ideas to specific details
Outer ideas may be the main point, while details are pieces of information to support the idea. You may create many subpoints and supporting details, depending on the type of outline itself. However, try to provide at least 2–3 subpoints and 2–3 supporting details for each main idea.
- For example, your main point is that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein puts emotion ahead of common sense. The subpoint of this main point is that Victor Frankenstein was returned by nature and that his scientific experiments created monsters. As a supporting detail, you can include a quote from the book.
- If you are writing a story or presenting a historical argument, chronological order works best. For an essay or speech, choose the subtopic with the most supportive material, and follow this argument. From there, sort the main subtopics so that they flow naturally to the next.
- The broad idea must link back to the thesis statement or controlling idea. If not, rewrite the thesis to reflect the main ideas included in the outline.
Step 3. Include the introduction as the first main point for your speech or essay
You can use short phrases or complete sentences, as you prefer. Some people prefer to write an introduction, and that's fine too. The following points are needed in the introduction:
- An opening that catches the attention of the audience
- 1–2 general statements on the topic
- Thesis
Step 4. Create a body title, if not already
The outline title is the main point. Label with Roman Numerals for alphanumeric format (I, II, III) or Latin Numerals for decimal format (1.0, 2.0, 3.0). If you are writing an essay, this is the body of the essay. This idea should be drawn directly from the thesis or controlling idea. For example, the outline headings for the main points presented above would look like this:
- Short phrases: II. Frankenstein prioritizes emotions over common sense
- Complete sentence: II. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley places more emphasis on using emotions than common sense.
Step 5. Write at least 2 subpoints for each main idea
Subpoints are the second level. So label it A, B, or C for alphanumeric format or 1 point decimal for decimal format (1.1, 1.2). This is an idea that clarifies the main point. In an essay, this may be a reason to make an argument. In creative work, this may be part of the plot point.
You may need more subpoints, depending on the purpose of the outline itself. For example, a novel has many subpoints. The study guide may also have several subpoints
Step 6. Add at least 2 supporting details for each subpoint
These details will support or illustrate the point. Usually, details are included in the form of direct quotes, statistics, facts, or examples. This is the third level. So, use Latin Numerals for the alphanumeric format (1, 2, 3). For decimal format, use 2-dot decimal (1.1.2).
- In essays, this is where you usually "prove" the argument.
- For creative writing, you can include essential details that must be included in the scene, such as internal conflicts within the main character.
- Same with subpoints, supporting details can be added, depending on the purpose. Novels or study guides may have more supporting detail.
Step 7. Add additional layers, if necessary
Most basic outlines have 3 layers, but you may need more. If so, continue creating the sublevel using the selected format, alphanumeric or decimal. For example, you need more layers to add detail. In the Frankenstein example above, you could add a 4th layer to comment on the quote used to support the point. Here's how to add layers:
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Alphanumeric:
- Roman numerals
- Uppercase
- Latin numerals
- Lowercase
- Latin Numbers in Brackets
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Decimal:
- 1.0
- 1.1
- 1.1.1
- 1.1.1.1
Step 8. Outline your conclusions, for writing an essay or speech
Don't write a full conclusion as it will be much easier to write it once the essay or speech is complete. However, you should organize your thoughts. Conclusion subpoints can follow the following format:
- Restate thesis
- 1–2 summary sentences.
- Write a conclusion statement
Part 4 of 4: Finishing the Outline
Step 1. Read the outline that has been made to make sure the goal is achieved
The outline should be able to link back to the thesis or main idea, fulfill the purpose, and reflect the audience. If not, you will need a revision.
By rereading, you can find sections or ideas that you missed. If you see areas that still leave questions unanswered, fill in the gaps with information
Step 2. Revise if any ideas are missed or not developed
In some cases, you will need to add information, such as supporting details, and that can be done in the revision process. You may also need to rewrite a sentence or phrase to make the idea clearer.
If the outline is made for yourself, maybe this is nothing to worry about
Step 3. Edit if the outline will be collected
Check for typos, grammatical errors, and imperfections in formatting. This ensures you get full marks. Remember that imperfect phrases may be used in short phrase outline formats.
- It's a good idea to have someone else check for errors as it's usually difficult to spot mistakes in your own work.
- While editing, review the worksheet again to make sure all conditions are met. If not, correct the areas that need improvement.
Step 4. Add layers if necessary
If you need to add sublayers, use lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.), then lowercase letters (a, b, c, d, etc.), and finally numbers again (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Usually, three or four layers are sufficient. Try merging the points first before adding the 5th layer.
- Please add layers if you want to include more information.
- Additional layers may be required for lengthy creative papers or detailed study guides.
Tips
- Make a concise and solid outline. No need to write it perfectly, the important thing is to be able to make points.
- Don't be afraid to delete irrelevant information as you research and narrow your focus.
- Outlines can be used as a memorizing tool. Choose short words to trigger concepts.
- You can use a special program or a text editor template to create an outline structure automatically. For example, with Microsoft Word you can create an outline document, or create your own format.
- Position the outline 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) past the previous level to make each level easier to identify. Keep in mind that clarity may not be apparent in full sentence format.
- If you find evidence against the argument, don't ignore it. Include them in an outline, and use substeps to summarize your counter arguments.
Warning
- In general, avoid single points or subpoints at the outline level. If there is A, there should be B. If not, take idea A to the next level.
- An outline is not an essay in any other form. Write only the main emphasis, do not include all the details.
