To be a good writer…

Skill of Outlining
Outline - a document that briefly
summarizes the information that will
be included in a paper, book, speech,
or similar document.
 Skill of Outlining
Outline - shows the order in which
the information will be presented and
indicates the relationship of the pieces
of information to each other.
 Types of Outlines
Alphanumeric Outline – most
common type of outline. It is
recognizable to most people.
 Format of Outline
• Roman Numerals (I, II,…)
• Capitalized Letters (A, B…)
• Arabic Numerals (1, 2…)
• Lowercase Letters (a, b…)
Alphanumeric Outline
How to make an outline
How to make an outline
 Tips in writing an outline

You can use either phrases or

complete sentences, but be
consistent.
 Be consistent.
Not: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Basic needs. (phrase)
B. Low home prices. (phrase)
But: I. Good life (phrase)
A. Happy family (phrase)
B. Low prices (phrase)
 Be consistent.
Not: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Stocks are up. (sentence)
B. Low home prices. (phrase)
But: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Stocks are up. (sentence)
B. Home prices are (sentence)
down.
Be consistent.
 Topic Outline
– summarizes the main topics and sub
topics in words or phrases.

main topic – main idea, broadest idea

subtopic – supporting point for a topic
Topic Outline
 Sentence Outline
– uses complete sentence for each
topic and subtopic as it is more
informative compare to topic
outline.
Sentence Outline
Is this a good outline?
 Types of Outlines
Decimal Outline – a system of
decimal notation that clearly shows
how every level of the outline relates
to the larger whole.