Outlining 101 - The Basics
Overview
This simple guide to outlining addresses first steps, required elements, and common pitfalls in writing that make outlining an essential step.
Outlining 101 - The Basics
Outlining 101 – The Basics
As a general rule…ALWAYS OUTLINE! It may seem like extra work, however, the small amount of time you spend preparing to write saves a significant amount of time on the revising and editing portion of your writing.
As a second general rule...start simple
A basic outline captures the essential elements of an essay while also guiding its structure and flow (not to mention keeps you from making errors in repetition and/or missing information). An outline does not have to be overly formal but there are some guiding elements you must be certain to include.
I. Intro
Give an idea of what the essay will be about. The first sentence should grab your reader and let them know that there is something worth reading here. The first paragraph includes your THESIS STATEMENT, usually at the end of the paragraph and typically one sentence (it can be more if your essay is longer or more complex). This statement presents your topic being discussed, your position on the topic, and the relevant information that will be presented throughout the essay. It should also generate a position from which you can build your points (it should not be a statement of fact).
II. Body
A. Idea, Position, Concept 1
Each paragraph should tie into your thesis but present ideas and supporting evidence
The facts or details you present within each body section should support the topic sentence of the idea, position, or concept and also relate specifically to the overall thesis of your essay. There is no required number but you need enough to substantially support your idea without too many that they should be separated into another idea. Follow the arrows…
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independent of other paragraph information. This requires a TOPIC SENTENCE to feature at the introduction of this new idea. Each time you have a sub-idea within an idea section, begin a new paragraph (but not a new idea). TRANSITION SENTENCES are critical here so your reader can see the logical flow of information between idea subsections and then from one idea to the next big idea. Transition sentences can come at the end of one paragraph or as the first sentence of the next.
- Fact or Detail
- Fact or Detail
- Fact or Detail
B. Idea, Position, Concept 2
Make certain you do not repeat information. That is the purpose of outlining. If it seems
like your ideas are too closely related or too much information overlaps, rethink what you want to emphasize. Particularly with research, if too many of your sources are too similar, you will not have enough material for a substantial essay (every Body section will sound the same).
ideas. This idea will also have 1-4 facts and details listed that support the 2nd idea and relate to the overall thesis.
Intro-Thesis |
C. Idea, Position, Concept 3
This is just a basic, general outline. As you get into longer essays, add additional sections under each idea (i.e. 1, 2, 3, a, b, c etc. to maintain the flow of your essay and to separate sections and ideas).
III. Conclusion
There should be no new information in the conclusion. However, the conclusion is not just a regurgitation of the introduction. The conclusion should summarize what you wanted the reader to discover/learn/understand in your essay. You are letting the reader know that you have supported your thesis statement and they should now applaud and want to read more of what you write!
Some sound writing guidelines:
- Avoid “this” and “that.” These are generic and unspecific terms. They will also curb your writing (make essays shorter). As an example: In looking at enrollment for freshmen in college, 50% of students have a remedial course. This is a staggering percentage. Instead, be specific and explain your position with clarity: In looking at enrollment for freshmen in college, 50% of students have a remedial course. Fifty percent is half of an incoming freshman class and is a staggering percentage. Result-more description and detail, less ambiguity as to what “this” is. This gives your argument strength. You have now indicated your stance on the issue and positioned yourself to provide the reader with factual evidence in support of your position.
- “Very” is the most overused word in writing! Instead of very, nouns or verbs can be significant, considerable, outstanding, overlooked, consequential, etc. Make an impact with your language. Feel free to take liberal advantage of a dictionary/thesaurus app on your phone! (I will send out “word of the day” emails if there are very many verys!)
- Cite properly and ask why. Any time you use a source or piece of material (and there is a whole separate conversation on what to use versus what not to use), make certain you give appropriate citations and ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF WHY…why did you include a particular piece of information from someone else? Why did you think it was critical? Why is it important to your overall thesis or to the reader?
- You will get much more out of (and into) your essays if you constantly ask yourself “why.” This applies to cited material as well as your own idea development. If it is not relevant to you, it will not be relevant to your reader. On the other hand, if it is relevant to you, it gives you the opportunity to expand on it and develop the relevance-strengthening your position and the essay’s complexity.