Making an outline
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The document provides information on how to make an effective outline for writing projects such as essays or presentations. It defines what an outline is and its benefits, including helping to organize a document and save time when writing the rough draft. An example outline format is shown using Roman numerals and letters. The process of making an outline is then described step-by-step, including developing a thesis statement, topic sentences for each paragraph, and supporting details for those topics.
Making an outline
- 1. Making an OutlineMaking an Outline A Plan That Builds a Writing projectA Plan That Builds a Writing project Or a speech/presentation.Or a speech/presentation. Essay ----------- -------- ----------- ----------
- 2. ContentsContents What is an Outline? Arranging ideas in an outline. Sample of Outline
- 3. IntroductionIntroduction What is an outline ? Before you begin writing the first draft of your writing project, it is best to make an outline. An outline is a general plan of what you are going to write. You can compare making an outline to drawing plans to build a house. Before one begins to build a house, it is best to draw up plans to make sure that a house is built in the way you want. The same is true with writing a document and making an outline.
- 4. What is an Outline? An outline is a formal system used to think about and organize your paper. For example, you can use it to see whether your ideas connect to each other, what order of ideas works best, or whether you have sufficient evidence to support each of your points. Outlines can be useful for any paper to help you see the overall picture.
- 5. The Benefits of an Outline An outline of a document can be very helpful for two reasons: An outline will help in making your document more organized. A careful plan will help your body paragraphs stay focused on the ideas in your document. An outline saves time for writers. Preparing an outline can take time, but when you are finished, you will be able to write the rough draft of your document more quickly than if you didn’t have an outline.
- 6. ExampleExample Outline Here is an example of how a blank outline might look: Essay Outline I. Introduction Thesis: _____________________ II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _____________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: ____________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: ____________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea V. Conclusion
- 7. The ProcessThe Process Making an Outline In a formal outline, Roman numerals can be used to represent paragraphs. Capital letters can be used to represent supporting details for the paragraphs. Click here to see a list of Roman numerals. Essay Outline I. Introduction Thesis: ____________________ II. Body Paragraph #1- Topic Sentence: _________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea III. Body Paragraph #2- Topic Sentence: _________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea IV. Body Paragraph #3- Topic Sentence: _________ A. supporting idea B. supporting idea V. Conclusion
- 8. The ProcessThe Process Thesis Statement To begin an outline, you need to start with your thesis statement. The thesis statement will be your guide throughout the process of writing your essay. From the thesis statement, you can begin writing the topic sentences for the body paragraphs in the outline. ESSAY OUTLINE Thesis Statement Topic Sentence #1 Topic Sentence #2 Topic Sentence #3
- 9. The ProcessThe Process Topic Sentences The topic sentence for each body paragraph should support the thesis statement. The topic sentences need to agree with the main idea or subpoints in the thesis statement; otherwise, the essay could be confusing.
- 10. Thesis Statement A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview. The ProcessThe Process Topic Sentences Topic Sentence Paragraph #1: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you. Topic Sentence- Paragraph #2: An interview is an opportunity for potential employers to get to know you better, so it is important that you answer each question as completely as possible. Topic Sentence- Paragraph #3: By preparing some thoughtful questions for the end of the interview, you can show the panel that you have prepared for the interview and want the job.
- 11. The ProcessThe Process Supporting Details Under the topic sentence for each paragraph, list some of the supporting details, examples, or ideas you want to include in each paragraph.
- 12. The ProcessThe Process Supporting Details II. Body Paragraph #1: Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you. A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits. B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do. C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase. D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat. supporting details, examples, and ideas
- 13. I. Introduction- Thesis Statement: A job interview can often make or break your chances of getting your dream job. There are several things that you can do in an interview to increase the possibility of your success such as, dressing properly, answering interview questions thoroughly, and asking good questions at the end of the interview. II. Body Paragraph #1: Topic Sentence: The way you dress can have a big impact on an interview panel’s first impressions of you. A. Men and women should consider wearing dark suits. B. Conservative dress will show the interview panel you are serious about what you do. C. Don’t carry too many things into the interview. A notebook, pens, and/or laptop computer should be carried in a briefcase. D. Hair and nails should be clean and neat. III. Body Paragraph #2: Topic Sentence: An interview is an opportunity for potential employers to get to know you better, so it is important that you answer each question as completely as possible. A. Ask interviewers to repeat questions you don’t understand. B. Take some time to think about the questions before you answer. C. A notebook to write down key words in interview questions is sometimes helpful. IV. Body Paragraph #3: Topic Sentence: By preparing some thoughtful questions for the end of the interview, you can show the panel that you have prepared for the interview and want the job. A. Research the job and/or company before you go to the interview. B. The interview is your opportunity to get to know your potential employer. Ask questions about company goals, mission, expectations of employees, etc. C. Don’t ask questions about benefits or salary during the interview. You should try to get this information before you apply for the job. IV. Conclusion: Don’t underestimate the importance of a good interview. Example OutlineExample Outline
- 14. Practice ExercisePractice Exercise Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. You can go for your draft.