Guide to How to Make an Outline - 8 Quick Tips

1. Take time.The outline is a roadmap - make sure you plan the
Outlining requires just as much effort and energy astrip accordingly. What order do you want to use to
writing. Spend time on it and you'll save time writingbring up subpoints? How are you presenting ideas?
later.6. Get transitions right.
2. Start with Brainstorming.The paper or essay should flow from one subpoint
Capture everything somewhere. You don't' want toto another as it weaves from intro to conclusion.
waste an idea so start by allowing everything comeMake sure all points are transitioning naturally into one
through. Don't be afraid to stray from the originalanother. If the reader can easily follow you from
topic or question. Random ideas might lead to greatintro to conclusion - the paper will be all the more
perspectives of the main topic.powerful.
3. Focus on the big picture.7. Worry about the details later.
After you've brainstormed - think about the point ofWriting is all about the details to substantiate your
your essay or paper? Look through all your ideas andsubpoints. Leave it for later. It's important to capture
see what can be an umbrella idea - the main point. Isthe big ideas and overall direction while you're
it a twist of the original idea? Is it wide enough andoutlining.
still interesting?8. Be flexible.
4. Pick appropriate subpoints.Writing is a creative exercise. Outlining can help focus
After you determine the point of your essay, pickthat creativity but don't be afraid to stray should a
the right subpoints to back it up. Don't be afraid togreat idea take you.
omit some things and look for others if what you9. Bonus tip:
have is not enough. Subpoints are just as importantUse outliner software. It'll make writing and organizing
as your paper's main point.an outline go even faster and easier.
5. Focus on organization.