Outlining

Introduction

Outlining will assist you in planning your essay and will help you to organize your information so you will have a step-by-step structure, on paper, to guide you through the development, research, and writing process. Some teachers and professors require you to hand in an outline before you start working, others do not. Whether or not your teacher, professor, or boss require an outline, you should get in the habit of using one until you have become proficient at the task of essay writing.

Once you have experience in essay writing, you may choose to forgo the outlining process, however, as a beginning writer, it is very wise and highly suggested that you make use of this tool until you have gained a clear understanding of the elements that make up a good essay. We have provided blank alphanumeric and decimal outlines that are ready to be printed out and filled in with your specific information. Which type you use, alphanumeric or decimal, is a matter of preference, both are acceptable forms. If you are uncertain about which your professor or teacher prefers, ask them.

For your reference, a sample topic in outline form is also provided below as a guide of how an outline should look. It will help you fill out your own outline properly. Notice how each subtopic, or numbered item, addresses a specific area to discuss. To use the outline, write down each important point you want to make. Keep your introduction and conclusion subtopics to no more than two (2) central ideas. Once you have your entire essay outlined, you need simply to research and develop each idea, being sure to hit each topic you have included in your outline. You will then start writing those developed ideas into a cohesive, convincing essay.

SAMPLE ALPHANUMERIC OUTLINE WITH SAMPLE TOPIC:

Title: "The Benefits of Running"

1. Essay Introduction
1. Running is a very popular form of exercise for all ages.
2. Running has many health benefits; it helps people control their weight, develop muscles, increase physical stamina, improve mental clarity, and enhances emotional stability and well being.
2. Essay Body
1. Weight Control
1. Aids in decreasing impulse eating.
2. Burns maximum calories.
3. Encourages a healthy diet.
4. Suppresses appetite.
2. Muscular Development
1. Improves tone.
2. Enhances contours.
3. Increases strength.
3. Psychological well being
1. Aids sleep.
2. Inhibits depression.
3. Intensifies vitality.
3. Conclusion
1. Benefits of running make it an excellent exercise.
2. People who want to improve their health should consider running.

1. Introduction
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
2. Body
1. _____________________________
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
3. Conclusion
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________

1. Introduction
• 1.1_____________________________
• 1.2_____________________________
2. Body
• 2.1_____________________________
• 2.1.1_____________________________
• 2.1.2_____________________________
• 2.1.3_____________________________
• 2.2_____________________________
• 2.2.1_____________________________
• 2.2.2_____________________________
• 2.2.3_____________________________
• 2.3_____________________________
• 2.3.1_____________________________
• 2.3.2_____________________________
• 2.3.3_____________________________
3. Conclusion
• 3.1_____________________________
• 3.2_____________________________