ELISA ENGLISH's Blog 英語園地

What is an Outline?

An outline presents a picture of the main ideas, supporting evidence and explanation of any subject.  There are two kinds of outlines: the topic outline (consists of short phrases) and the sentence outline (consists of full sentences).         

How to make an Outline?

1. Identify the topic.

Sum up the point of your paper in one sentence or phrase.

2. Identify the main categories.

The introduction introduces all of your main points.

3. Create the first category.

4. Create subcategories.

Create points to provide support for the main point.

Typical Outline Format

1. I.     Title / topic
2. II.    Introductory
3. III.   Main idea or topic
4.          A.   Supporting idea or sub-topic
   1.              1.  Details or examples
   2.              2.  Details or examples
      1.                     a.  More details
      2.                     b.  More details
   3.                          i.   Further explanations
   4.                          ii.  Further explanations
   5.         B.  Supporting idea or sub-topic
   6. IV.   Main idea or topic
   7. V.     Conclusion