Online Writing Guide

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choosing a topic

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Outline

There is more than one way to organize an outline for a writing project. Just pick a style that is suited to you visually and to your organization style. Be open to revising your outline.

Thesis: (The statement that defines the controlling idea/main subject of your paper)

I. Main topic related to your overall subject

A) main sub topic related to Topic I

main point related to sub topic A
next point related to sub topic A (in order of priority)
next point (and so on)

B) next sub topic related to Topic I (in order of priority)

main point related to sub topic B
next point related to sub topic B (in order of priority)
next point (and so on)

C) next sub topic related to Topic I (in order of priority)

II. Next major topic, in order of priority. (Follow the same strategy as above for the next major topic.)

III. Next major topic, in order of priority.

Conclusion (Your conclusion should relate to your thesis.)

Revising your outline

Think of your outline as a map. Be open to changing your map as you get more familiar with your subject. Don't get too attached to your original thesis, outline, and conclusion before you clearly establish your main subject and the relevant sub topics. Your focus and content are still evolving at this point. Your thesis and outline will become more clear as you read about and research your topic.