Outlining: A Foundation for Effective Writing

What is Outlining? 4 Main Components for Effective Outline

 A written plan/ blueprint that serves as a 1. PARALLELISM

skeleton for the paragraphs you write. Each heading and subheading should preserve
 A tool we use in writing process to help parallel structure. If the first heading is a verb,
organize ideas and visualize our paper’s the second heading should be a verb (noun,
structure. adjective, etc.)

Benefits of Outlining Example:

1. Clarity - A well-crafted outline helps you 1.1. Visit college websites and evaluate them.
maintain clarity by ensuring your content is 1.1.1. Look for compelling courses.
logical and easy to follow. 1.1.2. Note the demonstrative statistics.
2. Organization - Outlining promotes efficient
organization by helping you structure your 2. SUBORDINATION
ideas in a coherent manner. The information in the headings should be more
3. Organization - Outlining saves time and general, while the information in the
effort by preventing the need for extensive subheadings should be more specific.
rewrites later in the writing process.
4. Focus - Outlining keeps you focused on Example:
your main points, minimizing the chance of
going off-topic or losing sight of your overall I. Influential Person in my life.
message. A. Favorite high school teacher
B. Grandparent.
Types of Outlines
3. COORDINATION
 Topic Outline - A topic outline uses brief The subheadings you choose should be of the
phrases or words to represent main points same importance as all the other subheadings of
and subtopics, focusing on the structure of the same level.
your writing.
Example:
 Sentence/Formal Outline - A sentence A. Write your personal statement.
outline utilizes full sentences to elaborate on 1. Describe your role model.
each point and sub-point, providing a 2. Explain a challenging event in your life.
detailed overview of your content.
B. Revise your personal statement.
 Decimal Outline - This type of pre-writing
outline in which a writer's main ideas and 4. DIVISION
sub-points are delineated by Roman There should be two or more sub-points on each
numerals. Ideas are organized using level.
numbers and supporting ideas are in
decimals. Example:
A. COMPILE RÉSUMÉ
 Alphanumeric Outline - This type uses a 1. List relevant coursework
combination of letters and numbers to 2. List work experience
categorize and organize your points, 3. List volunteer experience
allowing for a hierarchical structure.
TEMPLATE for an OUTLINE
How to make an Outline?
Topic:
1. ROMAN NUMERALS – for major sections of I. Introduction
the paper A. Thesis Statement
II. Body
2. CAPITAL LETTERS – for main ideas (per A. Main Topic
paragraph) 1. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
3. ARABIC NUMBERS – supporting details b. sub-subtopics
B. Main Topic
4. SMALL LETTERS – for additional 1. Subtopics
information. a. sub-topics
b. sub-sub topics
INDENTATION is very crucial in every C. Main Topic
outline. 1. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics
III. Conclusion
Parts of an Outline (Major Sections)

Introduction (attention grabber)

An introduction of an essay prepares the reader on the contents of the essay. The introduction of the
essay is an opening of what is to come ahead. Here, the writer introduces the topic to the reader by
giving background information and providing a thesis statement. Having mentioned the thesis
statement in your introduction, the rest of the paper should help you support the claim.

Body (The content of the paper)

The second part of any essay is the body of the essay. Typically, the body of the essay should
contain a minimum of three paragraphs in support of the thesis statement made in the introductory
paragraph. Each paragraph should relay an individual point or idea. Furthermore, you should always
ensure that your paragraphs contain three parts: the topic sentence, supporting statement and the
concluding paragraphs.

Conclusion (Wrap all of your arguments)

The conclusion of the essay should mark the end of your essay. Here, a writer is supposed to
summarize the ideas made in the body and also restate the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement
All outlines should begin with a thesis statement of summarizing sentence. This thesis sentence
presents the central idea of the paper. It must always be a complete, grammatical sentence, specific
and brief, which expresses the point of view you are taking towards the subject.

Main points/ Main Idea/ Sub-Points/ Supporting Details

 Main points (also known as main idea). Chief point an author is making about a topic. It sums up
the author’s primary message.

 Sub -Points (also known as supporting details or idea). A paragraph contains facts, statements,
examples-specifics which guide us to a full understanding of the main idea. They clarify,
illuminate, explain, describe, expand and illustrate the main idea and are supporting details.

Topic Outline Example

Thesis Statement: The increased use of social media has led to more suicides among today’s youth--
a result of cyber-bullying.

I. Effects and Consequences of Cyber-Bullying

A. Damage victims
1. depression
2. decrease academic performance
3. suicides
B. Counselling
1. legal consequences
2. academic consequences
II. Prevention
A. Monitoring your Child
1. keeping tabs on activity
2. limiting access to social media
B. Counselling
1. consulting a school counsellor
2. finding a mentor
3. discussing the issue

Sentence Outline Example

Thesis Statement: The abuse of alcohol and drugs can affect a person economically, psychologically,
and physically.

I. Alcohol and drug abuse can affect one economically.

A. The cost of alcohol abuse is high and getting higher.
1. The costs of DUIs can be enormous.
2. Alcohol costs are always rising because of rising production costs as well as state
and local taxes.
 B. The cost of drug abuse can be high.
1. Even the arrest for the possession of a minute amount of drugs can result in high bail
and court cost.
2. The cost of drugs fluctuates drastically according to the type of drug, its availability,
and the amount.
II. Alcohol and drug abuse can have severe 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.
B. Drug abuse can be detrimental to one psychologically.
1. Drugs impair one's ability to function normally because of the hallucinations or
numbness of "getting high."
2. Drugs can become a psychological addiction.

Example of a Complete Outline:

Title: The Journey of Letting Go: A Study on Personal Growth and Moving On

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Hook: Start with a compelling quote.

B. Background Information: Discuss the concept of moving on and its relevance in
personal growth.
C. Thesis Statement: Moving on is a crucial process that involves emotional healing, personal
growth, and the ability to embrace new opportunities.

II. BODY

A. Emotional Healing
1. Acknowledging Feelings
a. Importance of recognizing and processing emotions.
b. Techniques for emotional acknowledgment (journaling, therapy).
2. Letting Go of the Past
a. Strategies for releasing negative emotions.
b. The role of forgiveness in moving on.

B. Personal Growth
1. Learning from Experiences
a. How past experiences shape personal development.
b. The significance of reflection and self-assessment.
2. Setting New Goals
a. Importance of goal-setting in the moving-on process.
b. Examples of achievable goals post-transition.

C. Embracing New Opportunities

1. Openness to Change
a. Cultivating a mindset that welcomes new experiences.
b. Overcoming fear of the unknown.
2. Building New Relationships
a. The importance of social connections in moving on.
b. Tips for forming new relationships after significant life changes.

III. CONCLUSION

A. Restate Thesis: Moving on is essential for emotional well-being and personal growth.
B. Summarize Main Points: Recap the importance of emotional healing, personal growth, and
embracing new opportunities.
C. Closing Thought: Encourage readers to view moving on as a journey toward a more fulfilling
life.
INSTRUCTION: Copy and and answer. Write your answers in a 1 whole sheet of yellow paper.

Activity 1. A Memory to Remember

Directions: In this activity, you are tasked to read the list of words or phrases
below. Decide which two general categories, and then put the rest of the words and
phrases in the correct category. Use the table to categorize your answer.

read a book Swim

build a model play baseball
outdoor activities ride a bike
bake cookies indoor activities
climb a tree play cards

______________________ ______________________
General Category General Category

Activity 2: Memories to Treasure

Directions: Read the words and phrases presented on the table. The two general
categories are given or main topics. Find the words and phrases that name the
subtopics under each of the main categories. Then decide which words and phrases
fall under sub-topics.

hawk broccoli birds

robin hamburger beetle
Corn on the cob insects meats
Pork chops Mosquito

I. Food
A. ___________________________
1._____________________
2. ____________________
B. ___________________________
1. ____________________
2. ____________________

II. Animals
A. ___________________________
1. _____________________
2.______________________

B. ___________________________
1. _____________________
2. _____________________
PERFORMANCE TASK: Enriching My Memory
Directions: Choose any topic and create a sentence outline. Use the outline discussed previously.
Make sure to follow the format given below.

Topic:

I. Introduction

A.
B. Thesis Statement:

II. Body

A. Main Topic
1. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics
2. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics

B. Main Topic
1. Subtopics
a. sub-topics
b. sub-sub topics
2. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics

C. Main Topic
1. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics
2. Subtopics
a. sub-subtopics
b. sub-subtopics

III. Conclusion
A.
B.

RUBRICS for the PERFORMANCE TASK:

CRITERIA Excellent Good Needs Improvement

1. Organization (10 The outline is logically The outline is mostly The outline is poorly
points) organized with clear organized, but some organized, making it
main points and points may be out of difficult to follow the main
subpoints that flow order or lack clarity. ideas.
coherently.
2. Content (10 points) All main points are Most points are relevant, Many points are irrelevant
relevant and well- but some may lack depth or underdeveloped, failing
developed, providing a or detail. to address the topic
comprehensive overview adequately.
of the topic.
3. Clarity and The outline is clear and The outline is mostly The outline lacks clarity,
Conciseness (10 points) concise, using clear, but some sections with vague language or
appropriate language and may be wordy or unclear. excessive detail that
terminology. obscures the main points.
4. Formatting (10 The outline follows a The outline has minor The outline is poorly
points) consistent format with formatting issues but is formatted, making it
proper indentation, bullet generally easy to read. difficult to distinguish
points, and numbering. between main points and
subpoints.
5. Mechanics (10 The outline is free from The outline contains a The outline has
points) spelling, punctuation, and few minor errors that do numerous errors that
grammatical errors. not impede distract from the content
understanding. and clarity.