Outlines

Why should you do an outline?

• a good step to take while writing papers

• makes writing more efficient

  • organizing your thoughts

  • prevents being overwhelmed with ideas

  • understand the flow of info & how ideas are related

  • makes sure nothing is forgotten

When to do a paper outline

• At any time during the writing process

  • most commonly used before beginning to write/ doing research

  • can also happen during or after writing

    • stay organized

Steps to Do a Paper Outline

1. Decide on a subject

   →identify the topic/thesis statement

2. Write down all the ideas to include or discuss

   →gives you ideas you may want to do

3. Organize related ideas into sub-groups

   → Put points in a logical order

   → Have each connect back to the main point

4. Arrange ideas into a hierarchy

   → What should the reader learn first?

   → What is most important?

   → Write possible transitions b/w paragraphs

5. Create headings/subheadings that are effective

   → Abstract

   →intro

   →Methods

   →Results

   →Discussion

   ****rough ideas of how paper will develop

6. Add in citations as you outline