{"id":52,"date":"2024-05-28T23:27:56","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T23:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karenmariepalmer.com\/theroughwritersguide\/chapter\/creating-an-outline\/"},"modified":"2024-05-28T23:29:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T23:29:47","slug":"creating-an-outline","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/karenmariepalmer.com\/theroughwritersguide\/chapter\/creating-an-outline\/","title":{"raw":"Creating an Outline","rendered":"Creating an Outline"},"content":{"raw":"\n

Now that you've narrowed down your topic, done your research, and created your thesis, it's time to start writing, right? Instead of jumping right in...pause for a few moments before beginning to amass your information into a first draft. Return to your statement(s) of purpose. Have any of the elements (voice, audience, message, tone, attitude, reception) changed as a result of your research? If so, write up an intermediate statement of purpose, and use it as a guide as you draft and as the basis for a writer\u2019s memo you may be asked to submit with your draft.<\/p>\n

Once you think you have an ample supply of materials, read through your subtopic files and consider the order of the different pieces. Consider the points you want to make in relation to the information you have found and begin typing comments between your notes to assure you have a solid plan in place when you start to make your outline.<\/p>\n

Create an outline that begins with your thesis (or message). Include the subtopics as key elements. Under each subtopic, list your supporting points you have researched as well as the ideas you plan to add.<\/p>\n\n

Writing an Outline<\/strong><\/h1>\nCreating an outline might seem like an unnecessary step. However, outlines ensure that your argument is well-organized and stays on topic. In addition, a well-thought out outline can save hours of writing time. After all, it\u2019s much easier to re-organize an outline than to re-write an entire essay!\n\nAn outline can be either informal or formal. An informal outline outlines the parts of a paper without a specific structure. An author might use bullet points, letters, numbers, or any combination of these things. On the other hand, a formal outline has a very specific structure. Main points are listed using Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc). Secondary points use capital letters (A, B, C, etc). The third level of points uses Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc), and the final level uses lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc).\n\nBelow is an example of both an informal and a formal outline side by side. In an actual essay outline, each item would include specific details about the essay instead of general headings. Instead of Point 1, for example, the outline would state the actual point.\n
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\"image\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nImage created by Dr. Karen Palmer and licensed under CC BY NC SA<\/a>.<\/em>\n

When you are finished, evaluate your outline by asking questions such as the following:<\/p>\n\n