More about outlines

There's more than one way to outline your essay. Need a few more resources?

Purdue's writing lab uses outline structures like these.

The University of New South Wales in Australia calls an outline your "essay plan."

Here's a brief outline example from the The University of New Mexico.

Not to completely blow your mind, but reverse outlining is another possibility brought to you by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (This might be a good way to make sure your paper is logical and solid as you move toward your second draft. Or maybe you'll avoid it altogether. It's a nice video, though.)















Use an outline as your road map.Find your focus

Once you have your thesis statement and ideas for your main points, you’re ready to build an outline. 

Using an outline is not for your teacher: it’s for you. It’s a way to help you stay on track as you write, because it reminds you where you are going, where you’ve been, and what you’re trying to say.

What format should you use? You should use whatever makes sense to you and keeps you the most organized. Alpha-numeric is probably the most popular outline style (and maybe the easiest to follow). If you use Microsoft Word, open one of the outline templates for a little time saving.



YOUR TURN: 

Download this alpha-numeric outline template or create one of your own.  Plug in your thesis statement, main points, and maybe a brief intro and conclusion. Your outline, like other parts of your paper, might change through the writing process. Go with the flow and focus on making your point.



If you are writing on paper, never fear. Write down something like this and fill in the blanks:

Your thesis statement

Introduction (I)
A.    Your Introductory statement, which might include your thesis
B.    Your main points
C.    Your transition statement that leads to the next section

Body (II)
A.    Your first main point
1.    Your first sub-point (examples that back it up)
2.    Your next sub-point
3.    Your next sub-point
i.    Maybe you have another example or quote that goes under a sub-point
4.    And however many other sub points you want to  provide in the space you have
B.    Your second main point
C.    Your third main point
D.    You get the picture

Conclusion(III)
A.    Your main concluding statement (might start your conclusion, answers the “so what?” question – might restate your points and try to convey WHY the topic is important, and how you answered a question.)