How to Write an Outline
How to Write an Outline
(Quick and Easy )
Purpose of an outline: Outlines are for your benefit; they will help you organize your ideas concisely. There are many ways to create an outline; however, it is recommended to use MLA format. This is demonstrated through the following directions.
Step one: type the word “Thesis” at the top of the page followed by a colon and then type your thesis.
Step Two: Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V and others) to signal main headings.
If you are having trouble figuring out how to use roman numerals on your computer, there is always the option of using a capitalized i to represent one and a capitalized v to represent five! Otherwise you should be able to adjust your numbering on many formats of Microsoft Word by clicking on the downward arrow next to the button that has numbers on it. Next, select the setting that has Roman numerals.
Include at least three main headings in the outline. Each main heading should represent a paragraph in the essay. The main heading should state the paragraph's main point. Arrange main headings in the order that the paragraphs will be written in your essay.
Step Three: Denote subdivisions with capital letters. There must be a minimum of two subdivisions for each main heading. Use subdivisions to further explain and support main headings!
Step Four: Divide the subdivisions, if needed, by typing a number (1, 2 and so on) on the first line of classification of a subdivision. Use lowercase letters to further divide these lines.
Note: you do not have to write in complete sentences! Remember this is just a way to organize your ideas and facilitate the essay writing process! Below is a sample MLA Outline for visualization.
Source for sample outline:
(Quick and Easy )
Purpose of an outline: Outlines are for your benefit; they will help you organize your ideas concisely. There are many ways to create an outline; however, it is recommended to use MLA format. This is demonstrated through the following directions.
Step one: type the word “Thesis” at the top of the page followed by a colon and then type your thesis.
Step Two: Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V and others) to signal main headings.
If you are having trouble figuring out how to use roman numerals on your computer, there is always the option of using a capitalized i to represent one and a capitalized v to represent five! Otherwise you should be able to adjust your numbering on many formats of Microsoft Word by clicking on the downward arrow next to the button that has numbers on it. Next, select the setting that has Roman numerals.
Include at least three main headings in the outline. Each main heading should represent a paragraph in the essay. The main heading should state the paragraph's main point. Arrange main headings in the order that the paragraphs will be written in your essay.
Step Three: Denote subdivisions with capital letters. There must be a minimum of two subdivisions for each main heading. Use subdivisions to further explain and support main headings!
Step Four: Divide the subdivisions, if needed, by typing a number (1, 2 and so on) on the first line of classification of a subdivision. Use lowercase letters to further divide these lines.
Note: you do not have to write in complete sentences! Remember this is just a way to organize your ideas and facilitate the essay writing process! Below is a sample MLA Outline for visualization.
Source for sample outline: