A timeline is a visual representation of various events to make it easier for you to understand a history, story, or process. Timelines can be used for a variety of purposes, so it's no wonder you'll find them in academic assignments too. Fortunately, creating a timeline is fairly easy. To create a timeline, do research for your chosen topic, work on your project, and organize the events found.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Researching Selected Topics
Step 1. Gather all the information regarding your chosen topic
As you read and gather information, start noting events that may be relevant. You need to prepare a complete history around the topic. So make sure you use multiple sources.
- Do some research on the Internet, read books in the library, or visit a museum.
- Try using a variety of networking sites, books, articles, and even documentaries. Try to use at least three different sources.
Step 2. Create a list of events that need to be entered
You need to include important events for your topic. However, don't forget to include interesting and relevant events as well. Yes, your timeline must be true to focus, but there's nothing wrong with entertaining the reader and showing how well you understand the topic. Enter events such as:
- Personal details, such as date of birth, date of death, and other important dates
- Historical events that have an impact on the timeline topic
- Key events that make up the topic
Step 3. Use the timeline to tell the story
Although the format is different, the timeline is just like a story that must be able to flow smoothly and attract the attention of the reader. Timeline readers should want to know what's next, just as if they were turning the pages of a book!
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Framework
Step 1. Look at the example timeline
To find out what the timeline looks like in general, browse the internet and search for "timeline". Take a look at some of the search results you get. That way, you'll have a clear picture before continuing.
Step 2. Draw a timeline
Sketch the lines with a pencil, then bold them with a dark marker or pen. Name the timeline with the project title and time limit.
- Use a ruler if you are making your own without the help of a computer.
- If you are creating a digital timeline, select the appropriate template.
Step 3. Select a start point and an end point
You have to set a timeline time limit. It's a good idea to have that time limit still allow you to dig deeper into your topic. So, start and end the timeline by leaving enough space to review all the events.
- Create a broader narrative by presenting simpler events.
- The timeline doesn't have to start with the birth or end with the character's death.
- Think carefully about your topic and narrow it down to choose the right starting and ending points.
Step 4. Decide how to present the events
There are many ways to display events, depending on your preference. Later you have to create an entry for each event and it must match the order in the timeline.
- Try to only enter less than 20 events.
- Write down the specified events.
- Print the events you have written and paste them on the timeline.
- Use images made by yourself or from other sources.
- Make slides if you use the digital method.
Step 5. Select a time range
Based on the time range you are working on, please select a time range in the form of decades, years, months, or even days. Consider the reasons for choosing the subject and the number of events you include. Draw a line that is the same length and perpendicular to the main timeline line between the start and end dates.
The time span here does not mean the years the events occurred in the timeline. The point is the division of the same time span, for example every five years, ten years, or twenty years. For example, you mark 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950, even if the events in the timeline take place in 1923, 1928, 1938, and 1943
Step 6. Enter important dates into the timeline
Follow the lines and mark at several points to describe when these events occurred. Draw perpendicular lines from the main timeline to show the years the events occurred and write a brief description of each event.
Arrange the dates in order. In timeline, you need to sort events chronologically, not by position or importance. For example, all events listed within one year should start in January and end in December
Part 3 of 3: Filling the Timeline
Step 1. Prepare a title for your project
Choose an attractive title and be able to give an overview of the contents of the timeline. Make sure the title you choose covers everything you want to convey in the project, not just the topic. For example, don't title your project “NASA”, but use “NASA: Journey to the Moon”. Examples of other titles are as follows:
- Nelson Mandela's Life Story
- Beverly Hills, 90210: Then and Now
- JD Salinger's Career Journey
- Redwood: The History of Old Trees in California
- NASA: Journey to the Moon and Beyond
- The Praying Mantis Life Cycle
Step 2. Add important details and information for each event
For each entry, write a brief description of what happened, including facts about who was killed, the impact of the event, and numbers related to the event, such as the number of people killed in battle. Add those details to help you tell the entire timeline narrative.
Step 3. Write clearly and concisely
The words you use should be easy to read so write them clearly. Alternatively, type entries, cut and paste them on the timeline. Use few words to describe events. This way, you avoid using too much space to review a single event.
If you are creating a digital timeline, just type in the required entries
Step 4. Add the image
You can add visual interest to the timeline by including some images that fit the event. Look up pictures on the Internet, copy from books, or if you're creative, draw your own.
Tips
- If absolutely necessary, alternate places to write down events. Write the events above the line, then the next one below the line.
- Try to write small.
- Make sure you cite the source correctly.
- Before creating a timeline, plan what you want to write there. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time removing errors or inserting forgotten events.
