READING & WRITING 11: Outlines, Effective Paragraphs, Patterns of Development

Outline

It is a summary that gives the essential features of a text. It shows how the parts of a text are related to one another as parts that are of equal importance, or sections that are subordinate to a main idea.

Reading Outline

An outline that is used to get the main idea of a text that is already written. It helps you understand the text’s structure more critically because you will have to find the text’s thesis statement and support.

Writing Outline

It a skeletal version of your essay. It is used as a guide to organize your ideas. It is usually done before you write the first draft of your essay.

General Writing Outline

I. MAIN IDEA (1st level)

A. Subsidiary idea or supporting idea to I (2nd level)

B. Subsidiary idea or supporting idea to I

1. Subsidiary idea to B (3rd level)

2. Subsidiary idea to B

a. Subsidiary idea to 2 (4th level)

b. Subsidiary idea to 2

II. MAIN IDEA

A. Subsidiary or supporting idea to II

B. Subsidiary or supporting idea to II

C. Subsidiary or supporting idea to II

Essay Writing Outline

I. Introduction

II. Main Idea 1

A. Supporting Idea 1

1. Example 1

III. Main Idea 2

A. Supporting Idea 1

1. Example 1

IV. Concluding Statement

Paragraph

It is a group of sentences that deals with one particular idea. Paragraphs are defined by the point that they support, the controlling idea, and not just by how long they are.

Topic Sentence

Tells the reader the main idea of your paragraph. It reveals what you generally plan to propose, argue, or explain.

Inverted Triangle Paragraph Form

A paragraph form wherein the topic sentence is placed at the very beginning to establish the main idea immediately. The rest of the sentences then narrow down into specific supporting details to elaborate on that initial broad claim.

• General → Specific

Triangle Paragraph Form

A paragraph form wherein the specific supporting details are presented first to lead the reader toward a central conclusion. This structure culminates with the topic sentence at the very end to act as the final, broad summary of the points discussed.

• Specific → General

Diamond Paragraph Form

A paragraph form wherein the topic sentence is positioned in the middle, acting as a bridge between the introductory context and the concluding details. It begins with specific lead-in sentences and ends with further specific evidence, keeping the core message at the heart of the text.

Hourglass Paragraph Form

A paragraph form wherein the main idea is introduced at the start and then restated or summarized at the very end. The middle section is filled with specific details, creating a structure that reinforces the controlling idea by "bookending" the supporting evidence.

Explicit Topic Sentence

A topic sentence that clearly states the ideas that will be elaborated on in the paragraph.

Implied Topic Sentence

A topic sentence you use if there is a clear controlling idea of what the paragraph is about.

Supporting Details

Every paragraph needs these to elaborate on the topic sentence. These may range from facts, examples, or instances.

Unity

A characteristic of an effective paragraph wherein all of the sentences in the paragraph are related to the topic sentence.

Adequate Development

A characteristic of an effective paragraph wherein the topic sentence in the paragraph should be elaborated on using concrete evidence, different examples, relevant facts, and specific details.

Coherence

A characteristic of an effective paragraph wherein the sentences are arranged in a logical manner, making them easily understood by the reader.

Chronological Order

The details are arranged in the order in which they happened. Used for procedures and step-by-step processes.

Chronos

The Latin word for time.

Spatial Arrangement

It is when the sentences of a paragraph are arranged according to geographical location. It is used for descriptions of places, scenes, objects, etc. and makes use of prepositions.Emphat

Emphatic Order

It is when the information found in a paragraph is arranged to emphasize certain points depending on the writer’s purpose. It is used in persuasive arguments.

Transitions

A signal device that uses words and phrases that connect one idea to another.

Repetitions

Repetitions of main ideas.

Synonyms

Words similar in meaning to important words or phrases.

Pronouns

Words that connect readers to the original word that the pronouns replace.

Parallelism

Using similar sentence structures,

Patterns of Development

These organizational strategies used to structure writing and thinking, reflecting how humans communicate ideas.

Cause and Effect

Explains why something happened (reasons) or what happened as a result (consequences).

Comparison and Contrast

Examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Ideas are arranged in either point-by-point style or block style.

Narrative

Tells a story or relates a series of events, but it is not as technical as chronological.

Description

Paints a picture of a person, place, or object using sensory details. It often follows spatial arrangement.

Exemplification

Uses examples to explain ideas.

Persuasion

Attempts to convince the reader to accept a point of view or take action.

Deductive Reasoning

A type of reasoning used in academic instances. It moves from general to specific ideas.

Inductive Reasoning

A type of reasoning used in persuasion and building conclusions. It moves from specific to general ideas.