Outlines
Outlines provide the structure of a paper. They give the writer a clear path to present his ideas; they also facilitate the research and editing process. There are three main types of outlines.
Skeleton outline: This type of outline includes the thesis statement and topic sentences or main points.
Full sentence outline with quotes: This type of outline includes an extensive amount of information that will be used during the writing process.
Reverse outline: This outline checks the structure of a paper once it has been written. It consist on gathering the main ideas from each paragraph.
Outline Example
Topic: Legalization of cannabis
- Introduction
- Thesis: This paper supports/opposes the legalization of cannabis
- Arguments for legalization
- Political implications
- Health issues
- Arguments against Legalization
- Political implications
- Health issues
- The writer’s position
- Conclusion
Drafting
This is the stage of creation. It is important not to focus on minor details and instead let the ideas flow, following the outline and including the information previously gathered. One must remember that this is not the final product, and there will be space for editing later, this will allow free writing and ideas to flow.
