How to make an How to make an outlineoutline

Prepared by:Prepared by:Prof. Noraida DomínguezProf. Noraida Domínguez

ToToEnglish 3202English 3202

Prof. Lydia RodríguezProf. Lydia Rodríguez

What is an outline?• Is a way to present related concepts.• Provides the opportunity to identify

main concepts of a topic and:– Organize the ideas using words or short

sentences.– Identify the ideas that are important to

include on the paper.– Decide what topics are important to include.

Main steps to develop the outline:

• Step 1: Identify your topic– Write the topic on the top of the

paper – Use you Concept Map as reference

• Step 2: Decide if you are going to use specific words or short sentences.

• Step 3: Begin with the Topic Description– I. Topic Description

• a.Using letters (a., b., c.)Identify the subtopics that will be presented as part of the topic description.

• b.Include the necessary concepts that will define the topic.

– II. Literature Revision• a.If your topic includes a question, include the

subtopics that are going to help you answer your question.

• b.If your purpose is only to describe a topic, then include the subtopics that are going to help you describe the topic.

• III. Conclusion– a.Include the subtopics that are

important to include as part of your conclusion.

– b.Remember that you need to justify your conclusion.

– Remember that in the outline you don´t need to answer the question or present the information and definitions of the topic.

• Step 4: Review your outline and be sure you are including all the subtopics of your topic.

• Be sure to hand-in your outline this Thursday to you English Professor with the Concept Map.