How to Make an Outline

Use an outline in a alphanumeric format for easy follow-up. You may not have noticed, but most outlines are in alphanumeric format. Each paragraph or idea in the outline will be arranged alphabetically and numerically. Here’s how an outline follows this format, from main points to sub-points: ^[8] :

• Roman numerals – I, II, III, IV,
• Capital letters – A, B, C
• Arabic numerals – 1, 2, 3
• Lowercase letters – a, b, c
• Arabic numerals in brackets – (1), (2), (3)

Use decimal outlines to emphasize relationships between ideas. The outline using decimal numbers has the same appearance as the alphanumeric outline. However, the decimal format outline uses only numbers, and each sub-point will begin with decimals. This will help you show that each sub-point is part of a larger argument. This type of outline has the following form: ^[9]

• 1.0 – Gradual policy change encourages compromise
  • 1.1 – Both sides have influence on policy
    • 1.1.1 – Each party presents its arguments before voting
    • 1.1.2 – Citizens voice their opinions
  • 1.2 – Neither side gets everything they want

Decide whether to write full sentences or short phrases. Most outlines use short phrases, also known as topic outlines. However, using full sentences can help you understand ideas better. If you write your essay based on your outline, full sentences will give you an edge when writing a complete essay. ^[10]

• You can use short words to quickly organize ideas, to write an outline for a speech, or to plan your own.
• You can use full sentences to make it easier to write a complete essay later, to write an easy-to-understand review guide, or to meet the requirements of an assignment.

Group ideas together. Reread the brainstorming section and put related ideas in the same group. You can write down a lot of information at first, because later you can omit unnecessary points. These groups will become the main ideas, so you need to narrow the groups until you are left with only the number of main ideas that you intend to write. Essays or speeches usually have 3 main ideas, but a creative work can have more. ^[11]

• If you have ideas or mind mapping, you should use markers of different colors to identify which ideas belong to the same group.
• Sort the item cards if you use them to brainstorm. Put cards with related ideas together. For example, you can stack the cards or line them up for easy reading.

Put each group in order, from broad ideas to specific details. The broad ideas are usually the main ideas, and the details are the information you will use to support them. Depending on the purpose of your outline, you may have multiple supporting ideas and supporting details. However, you should try to write 2-3 supporting ideas and 2-3 supporting details for each main idea. ^[12]

• For example, your main idea might be: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein emphasizes emotion over reason. Your side ideas might be: Victor Frankenstein recovered by nature, and his scientific experimentation efforts created a monster. With supporting details, you can include quotes from the story.
• If you are writing a story or presenting a historical point of view, chronological arrangement makes sense. For an essay or speech, choose the most cited subtopic to start with. From there, you’ll arrange the other sub-topics so that each smoothly transitions to the next.
• Your broad ideas need to be connected to the main point or idea. If not, you need to rewrite your thesis statement to reflect the main ideas you include in your outline.

Outline the introduction as the first main idea for the essay or speech. You can use phrases or full sentences, depending on your choice. Some people like to write the introduction as well. Here are the ideas you should include in your introduction: ^[13]

• The “bait” sentence to attract readers
• 1-2 sentences covering the topic
• Thesis sentence

Create body headings if you haven’t already. Outline headings are your main ideas. You can mark these headings with Roman numerals if they’re alphanumeric (I, II, III) or Arabic numbers with decimal (1.0, 2.0, 3.0) outlines. If you are writing an essay, this will be the body of the essay. These ideas are taken from the thesis statement or main idea. ^[14] For example, the headings for the main idea of the outline presented above might look like this:

• Outline notes with phrases: II. Frankenstein values emotion over reason
• Outline in full sentences: II. In the novel Frankenstein , author Mary Shelley emphasizes emotions over reason.

Write at least 2 supporting ideas for each main idea. Subpoints are the 2nd level of the outline, so you would mark it with A, B, or C for the alphanumeric outline, or use a decimal place for the decimal outline (1.1). , 1.2). Sub-points will further explain the main idea. In the essay, they will be the reasons for your argument. In creative work, they can be parts of a plot point. ^[15]

• Depending on the purpose of your outline, you may have more sub-points. For example, a novel can have many sub-points. A study guide also often has many side ideas.

Add at least 2 supporting details for each sub-point. These details have the role of supporting or illustrating the point being presented. They may include direct quotes, statistics, facts or examples. This is the 3rd level of the outline, so you will use Arabic numbers for the alphanumeric outline (1, 2, 3). With the decimal format outline, you will have 2 rows of decimals (1.1.2). ^[16]

• In essays, this is usually the word where you “prove” your argument.
• In creative work, you can include necessary details that you need to put in the context, such as an internal contradiction of the main character.
• Similar to the side points, you can have more supporting details depending on the purpose. A novel or review guide usually has more detail.

Add classes to the outline, if necessary. Most basic outlines include 3 layers, but you may need more. In this case, you can continue to create more sub-levels using your chosen structural format such as numbers and letters or decimals. For example, you may need more layers to provide more details. In the Frankenstein example above, you could add a fourth layer to write a footnote about the quotes you use to support your point. You will add the class with: ^[17]

• Format numbers and letters:
  • Roman Number
  • Capital letters
  • Arabic numbers
  • Lowercase letters
  • Arabic numbers in brackets
• Decimal number format
  • 1.0
  • 1.1
  • 1.1.1
  • 1.1.1.1

Outline the conclusion if you’re writing an essay or speech. You don’t need to write out your conclusion, as it will be easier to write once you’ve finished your essay or speech. However, you can start organizing your thoughts. Sidenotes may include: ^[18]

• Repeat the argument.
• 1-2 sentences summary.
• 1 concluding sentence.

Re-read your outline to make sure you’ve reached your goal. Your outline should relate back to the main point or idea, addressing the purpose you have set to persuade and influence the reader. If not, you may have to revise your outline. ^[19]

• This is also an opportunity for you to find missing parts or ideas that have not been fully implemented. If you notice that there are still unanswered questions, please fill in the gaps with more information.

Revise the outline if ideas are missing or not implemented. In some cases, you may need additional information, such as supporting details. The editing process will help you do this. You may need to rewrite sentences or phrases to make your ideas clearer. ^[20]

• If the outline is just for you, you probably don’t need to do this step.

Revise your outline if it’s a submission. Check for typos, typos, and formatting. This will ensure your post gets the highest possible score. Remember that you can write paragraphs of sentences if it is an outline of phrases. ^[21]

• It’s also a good idea to have someone help you check for errors, as it’s often difficult to spot errors when you’re looking at your own work.
• While editing your outline, check with the instructions to make sure you’ve met all of the requirements. If not, you need to go back and correct the mistakes.