HOW TO CREATE AN OUTLINE

What is an Outline? An outline is a part of the writing process

called “Pre-Writing”. It is a list of all of the information you would

like to include in your paper. The list helps you to put all of your

information in order before you begin writing.It is the best way to get your mind

UNJUMBLEDwhen writing any major paper!

Why Create an Outline? Aids in the process of writing Helps you organize your ideas Presents your material in a logical

form Shows the relationships among ideas

in your writing Constructs an ordered overview of

your writing

Roman Numerals in Uppercase1 = I2 = II3 = III4 = IV5 = V6 = VI7 = VII 8 = VIII9 = IX

10 = X11 = XI14 = XIV15 = XV16 = XVI19 = IXX20 = XX21 = IXX2014 = MMXIV

Roman Numerals in Lowercase1 = i2 = ii3 = iii4 = iv5 = v6 = vi7 = vii 8 = viii9 = ix

10 = x11 = xi14 = xiv15 = xv16 = xvi19 = ixx20 = xx21 = xii

So How Does It Work? Main headings receive uppercase

Roman Numerals. Subheadings are given letters. These must work in groups of two or

more. As you go into more detail, these

subheadings receive lowercase letters and numbers.

With each heading, you indent five spaces.

Example (Yours Will Not Be Exactly the Same!)

I. First Main HeadingA. Subheading describing I.

1. Subheading describing A.2. Subheading describing A.

B. Subheading describing I.1. Subheading describing B.

a. Subheading describing 1.b. Subheading describing 1.

2. Subheading describing B.II. Second Main Heading

Let’s Try – My Paper about Dogs Toy Dogs (AKC Group) Housebreaking Dog Training Poodle Dog Breeds Walking on a Loose Leash Chihuahua Hunting Dogs (AKC Group) Finding the right sized collar Using the correct length leash

Let’s Try – My Paper about Dogs

I. Dog BreedsA. Hunting Dogs (AKC Group)B. Toy Dogs (AKC Group)1. Poodle2. Chihuahua

II. Dog TrainingA. Walking on a Loose Leash1. Finding the right sized collar2. Using the correct length leashB. Housebreaking

Thesis Statement Restrict yours to a

manageable topic! BAD: Stephen King writes

great books. (Too broad) BAD: Stephen King’s book

The Shining has a terrifying ballroom scene using lots of visual and auditory imagery. (Too narrow)

Thesis Statement Restrict yours to a manageable

topic! Just Right! In The Shining, Stephen King uses

imagery to increase the reader’s understanding of the terror the protagonist must face.

Restricted to ONE topic Can Give Multiple Examples Can Discuss Types of Imagery

Sample Outline Thesis: In The Shining, Stephen King uses imagery to increase the reader’s understanding of the terror the protagonist must face.

I. Visual ImageryA. Danny sees the leafy green hedge animals move

threateningly towards him (Walker 76).B. Danny has increasingly frequent visions of the word

“Redrum” splashed in red everywhere (Blakner 807).II. Auditory Imagery

A. In the pantry, Jack Torrance crunches on Triscuits, beats on the door, and issues vile threats for two hours (Marchant 11).

B. Danny hears the creaking of the elevator and knows it is Jack coming for him (Nelson).

OK. Now What? You will collect your notes and organize them

by topic. For example, gather everything about theme

into one stack. Next, sort through that stack and organize it

by type of theme. Do this with all your notes/cards. This would apply to whatever your topic is:

symbolism, figurative language, etc.