Whether a student is assigned a book report, research paper, creative short story, or an essay; organizing your thoughts after generating or researching information is the next step to beginning the assignment. An outline helps to record, formulate, and structure all the gathered information.
Why Use An Outline?
- An outline helps students plug in information and make sure the writing assignment will be organized, focused, and supported.
- An outline is a structured blueprint for writing to help students:
- Stay focused
- Present ideas in a logical order
- Incorporate information, data, and ideas to support your main thesis.
- Many students find it easier to write from an outline instead of starting from a blank page.
When to Begin Developing an Outline?
Writing an outline can take place at any time during the writing process. Outlines are typically used before beginning to write or doing research. The outline acts as a record of your ideas and details. Outlines are also helpful during or after writing your paper, to make sure your points are organized and make sense.
How to Use an Outline
- Writing First Draft: Your outline is a guide, helping to construct paragraphs and sections in a coherent order.
- Staying on Track: An outline helps to maintain focus on the main topic and helps develop a smooth, logical transition between ideas.
- Adjustable Structuring: View your outline as a flexible guide, not a rigid structure. You can always adjust or deviate from it as your ideas develop or you make new discoveries during the writing process.
- Reviewing & Editing: After writing, you can refer back to your outline to check for any missing points, gaps in logic, or unnecessary information.
Sample outline
- Introduction:
- Topic Sentence or Thesis Statement-strong opening for attention-grabbing (a
hook)
- Brief description of what is being presented
- Background information
- Body Paragraphs
- Paragraph 1-Main point
- Supporting detail
- Supporting detail
- Paragraph 2-Main point
- Supporting detail
- Supporting detail
- Paragraph 3-Main point 3
- Supporting detail
- Supporting detail
III. Conclusion:
- Restate thesis statement
- Summarize key points
- Final thought or call to action
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Using an outline format is an important step to begin to write. Students will be guided in their writing assignments by using the basic framework outlined above as a blueprint to constructing and fine-tuning a successful written piece.Team Tutor offers a full range of academic tutoring, test prep, and study skills services, including executive functioning support, for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Call us today at 215-657-1981 or visit www.teamtutor.com.