Different Types of Outlines for Essays Text

Jonathan Friesen - Writing Coach

The alphanumeric outline is the standard format most people learned in high school english. Each main heading, or topic, is noted by a roman numeral and can be separated into two or more distinct classifications. The third level of subheadings can be separated into two or more distinct classifications and noted by arabic numbers. The fourth level of subheadings can be separated into two or more distinct classifications and noted by lower case letters.

The full sentence outline is similar to the alphanumeric outline in that it follows the same format. The primary difference is that each topic, or thought, is written out as a full sentence. This can be helpful, as it ensures the complete thought is recorded on the outline and will not be forgotten when it comes time to write the paper.

It is also helpful because these sentences can be transferred directly to the paper later. The primary difference between is that the decimal outline is written using decimals to note each heading and subheading. The main benefit of using a decimal outline is that each section can be clearly identified back to the main heading. The decimal outline can be written as individual thoughts or in complete sentences. Photo credit back to school image by foxygrl from fotolia.com regardless, an outline is a sequential. Depending upon the purpose of the outline, one outline format may be more effective. Outlines may take two forms: the traditional number letter alphanumeric format or the decimal number format.

Line drawings present themselves in a number of ways including outlines of objects, movement or density of objects and even erasing. Below is an example of a decimal outline the same type of indention pattern as the body paragraph outline follows here: 2.0. Most outlines for a written work are categorized based on the way in which information is presented within them, including how much is indicated and how it is organized. A topic outline, for example, uses only short phrases or single words to present the general subject that will be explored in each section.

How to Write a Cv for Admission In a University

In contrast to this, a sentence outline uses complete sentences to describe each topic, providing a great deal of information. Both of these types of outlines can be organized according to alphanumeric methods, in which letters and numbers are used to indicate different sections, or decimal systems that use numbers to differentiate between each subject. Topic outlines are some of the most common formats, and use brief information to let a writer lay out the general structure of a written work. The basic format of such an outline is quite simple, consisting of one entry for each major point in the work, which often represents a paragraph or two. Within this are several sub topics that are created to provide information that supports the major point, and this is repeated for each section of the work. Topic outlines only use a word or a short phrase to provide information about each point, which the author then expands upon in the writing.

In contrast to this, sentence outlines use complete sentences to provide the framework and information about a piece of writing. They are typically organized in much the same way, with subjects and sub topics, but sentences are used instead of phrases. Such outlines can be quite convenient for work among multiple writers, as it allows them to better understand what each topic covers in more detail.

Teachers who require an outline to be turned in with a paper may prefer the sentence type as well, since it allows them to better understand the subject the writer intended to cover in each section. Both topic and sentence outlines are often structured in an alphanumeric method, which means they commonly use both letters and numbers. Outlines can also be organized in decimal notation, which uses only numbers and no letters. This type of organization works well for people who are naturally inclined toward mathematics, though some people are confused by the decimal notation. 1 creating a thorough outline can stir creative juices and take a lot of stress out of writing an actual article or research paper. Although some teachers require outlines to be submitted along with bibliographies and other attachments to a research paper, it is a good idea to make an outline for your own writing purposes that allows you to brainstorm and get the best structure for the work before writing and cleaning it up for submission later.

If an outline is being done well ahead of the writing of the formal paper, full sentence outlines will probably be more helpful to the process than key words or phrases. This helps the author remember exactly what he or she intended to say, making the writing process easier. Alphanumeric outlines are nested lists headed by main ideas which are followed by the supporting details and concepts. Each heading is more general than its subsequent arrays of indented subordinate lists. Each set of lists follows the same pattern to give the final composition a predictable structure. Next comes regular arabic numbers followed by lower case letters, followed by lower case roman numerals.

If there are three sub headings a, b, and c under the first main idea i , there should be three sub headings under ii, i, and iv as well in an alphanumeric outline. Instead of switching from numbers to letters, sub headings of the first main point one are indicated by 1.1, 1.2. Most computer word processing programs allow the user to select which type of outline format they prefer. While some writers prefer to use just key words or phrases in their outlines, others choose to fill in their outline with complete sentences. This approach has the additional benefit of pre writing the first sentences of each paragraph. Regardless, an outline is a sequential, linear way to plan a written project and helps the writer develop parallel, predictable structure, even amounts of content per section, and a logical progression from the most general idea to the most specific conclusion. Some writers are more global thinkers who feel constrained and obstructed by the sequential task of creating an alphanumeric or decimal outline.

This is a visual way to arrange one's ideas that creates links and relationships by drawing lines between words and phrases. To the global thinker, this gives the opportunity to plan without sacrificing a certain freedom. Planning is part of the writing process no matter which kind of outline you choose. Starting with the topic, format and intended audience, good writers do research to gather their information. Then they organize the information into a plan, the outline, from which they will create the rough first draft.

After getting some helpful criticism, the next step is to rewrite until the concepts flow well and can easily be grasped by the reader. Only after each step has been completed is it ready to be shared, turned in to a teacher, or submitted for publication. Have you been assigned an essay and you're not sure what's expected of you? here's our guide to different types of essay most often given to students. The basic structure of the five paragraph essay includes an introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Learn how to write your admission essay, helping to identify that you have the capability to do well at the college or university you are applying to. In an argumentative essays, you will research a controversial topic, take a stance, and attempt to persuade your reader to agree with your position. In cause and effect essays, you make a claim for why something happens the cause or what the result of something is the effect. As well as understanding what type of essay you are being asked to write, sometimes, looking at the wording of the question helps you to understand more about the content of the essay that is expected. в these are terms commonly used in essay questions: your tutor is asking you to explain or в clarify an issue, or give reasons for something.

Essay on Autobiography of Mother Nature