{"id":1277,"date":"2016-04-26T20:54:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T20:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-level1-english\/?post_type=chapter&p=1277"},"modified":"2016-07-15T18:24:21","modified_gmt":"2016-07-15T18:24:21","slug":"text-using-an-outline-to-write-a-paper","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-level1-english-gen\/chapter\/text-using-an-outline-to-write-a-paper\/","title":{"raw":"Text: Using an Outline to Write a Paper","rendered":"Text: Using an Outline to Write a Paper"},"content":{"raw":"

The main difference between outlining a reading and outlining your own paper is the source of the ideas. \u00a0When you outline something someone else wrote, you are trying to represent their ideas and structure. \u00a0When outlining your own paper, you will need to focus on your own ideas and\u00a0how best to organize them. \u00a0Depending on the type of writing assignment, you might want to incorporate concepts and quotations from various other sources, but your interpretation of those ideas is still the most important element. Creating an outline based on the principles outlined above can help you to put your ideas in a logical order, so your paper will have a stronger, more effective argument.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 1: Figure out your main points and create the headings for your outline<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Once you have come up with some ideas for your paper, you will need to organize those ideas. \u00a0The first step is to decide what your main points will be. \u00a0Use those main ideas as the headings for your outline. \u00a0Remember to start with your introduction as the first heading, add headings for\u00a0each main idea in your argument, and finish with a conclusion.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

For example, an outline for a five-paragraph essay on why I love my dog might have the following headings:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

I.\u00a0INTRODUCTION<\/span><\/p>\r\n

II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1: My Dog is\u00a0a Good Companion<\/span><\/p>\r\n

III.\u00a0BODY PARAGRAPH 2:\u00a0My Dog is Well-Behaved<\/span><\/p>\r\n

IV.\u00a0BODY PARAGRAPH 3: My Dog is Cute<\/span><\/p>\r\n

V. CONCLUSION<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Since the topic is why I love my dog, each of the body paragraphs will present\u00a0one reason why I love my dog. \u00a0Always make sure your main ideas directly relate to your topic!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

You can order your\u00a0main ideas\u00a0based on either the strength of your argument (i.e. put your most convincing point first) or on some other clear organizing principle. \u00a0A narrative on how you became a student at this college\u00a0would most likely follow\u00a0a chronological approach, for example. \u00a0Don\u2019t worry if you are not completely satisfied with the ordering;\u00a0you can always change it later. \u00a0This is particularly easy if you are creating your outline in a word-processing program on a computer: you can drag the items into different positions to test out different orderings and see which makes the most sense.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 2: Add your supporting ideas<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The next step is to fill in supporting ideas for each of your main ideas. \u00a0Give any necessary explanations, descriptions, evidence, or examples to convince the reader that you are making a good point. \u00a0If you are using quotes, add\u00a0those here. \u00a0Remember to include the appropriate citation based on whichever format your teacher requires; having that information in your outline will speed things up when you write your paper (since you won\u2019t have to go hunting for\u00a0the bibliographic information) and make it easier to avoid plagiarism.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

To continue the example above, a writer\u00a0might fill in part II of the outline as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

II. Body Paragraph 1: My Dog is a Good Companion<\/span><\/p>\r\n

A. My dog is\u00a0fun<\/span><\/p>\r\n

1. My dog likes to play<\/span><\/p>\r\n

2. My dog likes to go on walks<\/span><\/p>\r\n

B. My dog is\u00a0friendly<\/span><\/p>\r\n

1. My dog likes to\u00a0cuddle<\/span><\/p>\r\n

2. My dog likes people<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This section is focused on the idea that \"I love my dog because he is a good companion.\" \u00a0The two first-level subheadings are general reasons why he is a good companion: he is fun (A) and he is friendly (B). \u00a0Each of those ideas is then further explained through\u00a0examples: \u00a0My dog is fun because he like to play and go on walks. \u00a0I know my dog is friendly since he enjoys cuddling and like people. \u00a0Even more detail could be added by including specific games my dog likes to play, behaviors that tell me he like to go on walks, and so. \u00a0The more detail you add, the easier it will be to write you paper later on!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In terms of how to organize your subheadings, again\u00a0try to present these supporting ideas in a logical order. \u00a0Group similar ideas together, move from general concepts to more specific examples or explanations, and make sure each supporting idea\u00a0directly relates to the heading or subheading under which it falls.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

When you have finished adding supporting ideas, read through the outline to see if there is anywhere you think your argument has holes or could be further fleshed out. \u00a0Make sure that your ideas are in the most logical order. \u00a0Don\u2019t be afraid to test out different orderings to see what makes the most sense!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 3: Turn your headings and subheadings into complete sentences<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Once you\u00a0have added as much detail as possible and your\u00a0outline is complete, save it as a new file on your computer (or type it into the computer). \u00a0If your main and supporting ideas in the outline are not already in sentence form, turn each item into one or more complete sentences. This will help you\u00a0to see more clearly\u00a0idea where to divide up your paragraphs. \u00a0When\u00a0writing\u00a0a\u00a0short to medium length paper, each heading (or main idea) will typically correspond to one paragraph. \u00a0For longer papers, each heading may be a section and your first (or even second) level of subheading will eventually become your paragraphs. \u00a0See how many sentences fall under each heading to get a rough idea of what correspondence makes the most sense for your paper.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Step 4: Construct your paragraphs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Next, start at the beginning of your outline and go through point by point. \u00a0Delete the outline formatting (indentations and letter\/numeral designations) and start to put your sentences together into paragraphs. \u00a0You may need to add transition phrases or even extra sentences to make sure your prose flows naturally. \u00a0You might also find that even though your ideas seemed to make sense in the outline, you need to add still more details here or change the order of your ideas for everything to fully make sense. \u00a0You may even find that you have too many ideas or that some ideas are not really all that relevant and need to be cut. \u00a0That is perfectly normal. \u00a0The outline is a plan to help you get organized, but you always have the flexibility to change it to fit the needs of your assignment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Remember to start a new paragraph whenever you introduce a new idea (or when a paragraph has gotten very long and the reader needs a break). \u00a0Again, you will probably want to add transition phrases or sentences to connect each paragraph to what came before and to help the reader follow your argument.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Once you have finished turning your outline into paragraphs, you should have a decent first draft of your paper. \u00a0Now you just need to proofread and revise (and repeat) until you are ready to turn in your assignment!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Contribute!<\/h2>
Did you have an idea for improving this content? We\u2019d love your input.<\/div>Improve this page<\/a>Learn More<\/a>","rendered":"

The main difference between outlining a reading and outlining your own paper is the source of the ideas. \u00a0When you outline something someone else wrote, you are trying to represent their ideas and structure. \u00a0When outlining your own paper, you will need to focus on your own ideas and\u00a0how best to organize them. \u00a0Depending on the type of writing assignment, you might want to incorporate concepts and quotations from various other sources, but your interpretation of those ideas is still the most important element. Creating an outline based on the principles outlined above can help you to put your ideas in a logical order, so your paper will have a stronger, more effective argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1: Figure out your main points and create the headings for your outline<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you have come up with some ideas for your paper, you will need to organize those ideas. \u00a0The first step is to decide what your main points will be. \u00a0Use those main ideas as the headings for your outline. \u00a0Remember to start with your introduction as the first heading, add headings for\u00a0each main idea in your argument, and finish with a conclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, an outline for a five-paragraph essay on why I love my dog might have the following headings:<\/span><\/p>\n

I.\u00a0INTRODUCTION<\/span><\/p>\n

II. BODY PARAGRAPH 1: My Dog is\u00a0a Good Companion<\/span><\/p>\n

III.\u00a0BODY PARAGRAPH 2:\u00a0My Dog is Well-Behaved<\/span><\/p>\n

IV.\u00a0BODY PARAGRAPH 3: My Dog is Cute<\/span><\/p>\n

V. CONCLUSION<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the topic is why I love my dog, each of the body paragraphs will present\u00a0one reason why I love my dog. \u00a0Always make sure your main ideas directly relate to your topic!<\/span><\/p>\n

You can order your\u00a0main ideas\u00a0based on either the strength of your argument (i.e. put your most convincing point first) or on some other clear organizing principle. \u00a0A narrative on how you became a student at this college\u00a0would most likely follow\u00a0a chronological approach, for example. \u00a0Don\u2019t worry if you are not completely satisfied with the ordering;\u00a0you can always change it later. \u00a0This is particularly easy if you are creating your outline in a word-processing program on a computer: you can drag the items into different positions to test out different orderings and see which makes the most sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: Add your supporting ideas<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

The next step is to fill in supporting ideas for each of your main ideas. \u00a0Give any necessary explanations, descriptions, evidence, or examples to convince the reader that you are making a good point. \u00a0If you are using quotes, add\u00a0those here. \u00a0Remember to include the appropriate citation based on whichever format your teacher requires; having that information in your outline will speed things up when you write your paper (since you won\u2019t have to go hunting for\u00a0the bibliographic information) and make it easier to avoid plagiarism.<\/span><\/p>\n

To continue the example above, a writer\u00a0might fill in part II of the outline as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

II. Body Paragraph 1: My Dog is a Good Companion<\/span><\/p>\n

A. My dog is\u00a0fun<\/span><\/p>\n

1. My dog likes to play<\/span><\/p>\n

2. My dog likes to go on walks<\/span><\/p>\n

B. My dog is\u00a0friendly<\/span><\/p>\n

1. My dog likes to\u00a0cuddle<\/span><\/p>\n

2. My dog likes people<\/span><\/p>\n

This section is focused on the idea that “I love my dog because he is a good companion.” \u00a0The two first-level subheadings are general reasons why he is a good companion: he is fun (A) and he is friendly (B). \u00a0Each of those ideas is then further explained through\u00a0examples: \u00a0My dog is fun because he like to play and go on walks. \u00a0I know my dog is friendly since he enjoys cuddling and like people. \u00a0Even more detail could be added by including specific games my dog likes to play, behaviors that tell me he like to go on walks, and so. \u00a0The more detail you add, the easier it will be to write you paper later on!<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of how to organize your subheadings, again\u00a0try to present these supporting ideas in a logical order. \u00a0Group similar ideas together, move from general concepts to more specific examples or explanations, and make sure each supporting idea\u00a0directly relates to the heading or subheading under which it falls.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you have finished adding supporting ideas, read through the outline to see if there is anywhere you think your argument has holes or could be further fleshed out. \u00a0Make sure that your ideas are in the most logical order. \u00a0Don\u2019t be afraid to test out different orderings to see what makes the most sense!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Turn your headings and subheadings into complete sentences<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you\u00a0have added as much detail as possible and your\u00a0outline is complete, save it as a new file on your computer (or type it into the computer). \u00a0If your main and supporting ideas in the outline are not already in sentence form, turn each item into one or more complete sentences. This will help you\u00a0to see more clearly\u00a0idea where to divide up your paragraphs. \u00a0When\u00a0writing\u00a0a\u00a0short to medium length paper, each heading (or main idea) will typically correspond to one paragraph. \u00a0For longer papers, each heading may be a section and your first (or even second) level of subheading will eventually become your paragraphs. \u00a0See how many sentences fall under each heading to get a rough idea of what correspondence makes the most sense for your paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: Construct your paragraphs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Next, start at the beginning of your outline and go through point by point. \u00a0Delete the outline formatting (indentations and letter\/numeral designations) and start to put your sentences together into paragraphs. \u00a0You may need to add transition phrases or even extra sentences to make sure your prose flows naturally. \u00a0You might also find that even though your ideas seemed to make sense in the outline, you need to add still more details here or change the order of your ideas for everything to fully make sense. \u00a0You may even find that you have too many ideas or that some ideas are not really all that relevant and need to be cut. \u00a0That is perfectly normal. \u00a0The outline is a plan to help you get organized, but you always have the flexibility to change it to fit the needs of your assignment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to start a new paragraph whenever you introduce a new idea (or when a paragraph has gotten very long and the reader needs a break). \u00a0Again, you will probably want to add transition phrases or sentences to connect each paragraph to what came before and to help the reader follow your argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you have finished turning your outline into paragraphs, you should have a decent first draft of your paper. \u00a0Now you just need to proofread and revise (and repeat) until you are ready to turn in your assignment!<\/span><\/p>\n

Contribute!<\/h2>\n
Did you have an idea for improving this content? We\u2019d love your input.<\/div>\n

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