Making a Formal Outline English 9 Mrs. Zaso

Formal Outline A short skeleton of a longer paper that: –Provides overview of organization –Prepares paper structure –Shows relationship of ideas

Why Outline? Tests strength and logic of your ideas Organizes your information Recognizes your main points Identifies gaps in research

Preparing an Outline Roman Numerals = Main points (I, IV, X, etc.) Capital Letters = Subdivision of main points (A, B, C, etc.) Numbers = Next level of subdivision (1, 2, 3, etc.) Lowercase Letters = Final level of subdivision (a, b, c, etc.)

Preparing an Outline Use a complete sentence at ALL levels Use parallel language A.Animals and humans do not share identical DNA. B. Modern technology can effectively test products.

Preparing an Outline Each line should contain ONE idea – ONE sentence! Each subdivision should contain ONE idea – ONE sentence! Subdivisions should SUPPORT or provide DETAIL to the main idea.

Keeping it Balanced  If you have a I, you must have a II  If you have an A, you must have a B  If you have a 1, you must have a 2  If you have an a, you must have a b

Sample Outline (Framework) I. A B. II. A. 1. a. b. 2. B.

Outline Framework All outlines will NOT look the same Previous slide is a SAMPLE, not a GUIDELINE Main ideas and subdivisions will vary by topic and amount of information

Help Yourself! Be clear and concise! Stick to the point! Organize now…less work later! Don’t be this student… Be this student!

Questions