Lesson 4: Preparing the Outline Topics Purpose of an Outline Key Features of an Outline Using the Outline to Write the First Draft

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Purpose of an Outline An outline allows you to organize your thoughts hierarchically before creating the first draft.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Types of Outlines A Scratch or Informal Outline  Includes key general points, in the order you want to write about them.  Can also include specific points. A Tree Diagram  Includes ideas branching out in increasing detail--from general to specific.  Can help plan a Web project where links are listed. It can later serve as your website map. A Formal Outline  Lays out main ideas and supporting evidence.  Shows the relative importance of all the elements.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Creating an Outline Best practices for creating an outline include: Focus on points not paragraphs. Create a strategy for your paper. Remember that different strategies can work.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Outline Example Example Thesis Statement:  By lowering the barriers of physical appearance, the unique anonymity of internet communication could build diversity into community. Example Outline I.No fear of being prejudged A. Unknown physical attributes 1. Gender 2. Age 3. Race 4. Style B. Freer communication C. No automatic rejection II. Inability to prejudge others A. No assumptions based on appearance 1. Body type 2. Physical disability 3. Race B. Discovery of shared of interests and concerns 1. Sports and other activities 2. Family values 3. Political views C. Reduction of physical bias

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Key Features of an Outline An outline expresses the hierarchy of the paper using heading levels and styles. View the following video from MyCompLab for an explanation about creating an outline using a word processer. View the Video

ENGLISH COMPOSITION TWO Using the Outline to Write the First Draft Use the outline as the basis for the first draft: Use the hierarchy established by the outline to guide the draft. As changes to the structure of the first draft, ensure that you update the outline.