How to Write an Outline
Outlines give structure and order to essays, articles, web content and stories. Outlines also help to remind the writer of content they intended to include in their project should they work on it over a long period of time.
Required Materials
- Paper
- Topic
Required Tools
- Computer
- Printer
Instructions
- Outlines contain both headings and subheadings. Headings are used for the discuss or explain the overall point for that section. Subheadings get into more detail about specific paragraphs within a section.
- Headings are represented by capital Roman numerals. Subheadings are represented by capital letters from the alphabet. To expand on one of the subcategories, you may add tertiary headings, which are represented by numbers.
- Decide whether you want to write a topic outline or a sentence outline. In a topic outline, each section will have a heading or subheading comprised of a word or phrase. In a sentence outline, each heading or subheading will have a complete sentence.
- Develop a thesis statement for your paper. Your thesis is the driving force behind your subject and will be Roman numeral I. To go into further detail about points within your thesis, add subheadings below your thesis by indenting the lines further and using upper-case letters.
- Add any tertiary headings below the subheadings by indenting further below your subheadings and adding numbers (see example above).
- Move to your next main category. This will be the start of the body of your paper. Indicate your next heading with a Roman numeral II. Add any subheadings and tertiary headings underneath your heading using the same format as above.
- Depending on how long or detailed your paper is, you may have additional headings, subheadings and tertiary headings. Your last heading will be the conclusion of your paper, which should recap all your main points. You will generally not have any subheadings in the conclusion.
Example:
1. Light bulbs create light.
1. Creation of 20 watt light bulbs
1. Low light
2. Cozy and intimate
2. Creation of 60 watt light bulbs
1. Bright light
2. Good for reading
