Pre-writing: Outline

Improve your writing.

Infografía

What is an outline?

An outline is a list of the information you will be using in your paper. Look at this example:

OUTLINE

Characteristics

INTRODUCTION

The introduction is a presentation of the topic and the text. The reader, just by having a look at the introduction, must know what the text is about, and what issues are going to be discussed.

BODY

Secondly, in the body section, the main ideas that you want to develop must be stated. This section is flexible, which means that you can add and remove as many points as you want. However, bear in mind that paragraphs must not be too short. Therefore, if you have too many ideas divided into short paragraphs, think about more general ideas that could put them together to create longer paragraphs. As strange as it might sound, you should start writing the body before the introduction. If you write the body first, you will have a better picture of the topics that you must present in the introduction.

CONCLUSION

Lastly, in the conclusion, you are just expected to summarize the information from the body paragraphs. Additionally, you should add a closing sentence that will cause an impact on the reader.

Structure

Remember that, different types of texts (article, story, report, essay, etc.) have different structures. Subsequently, you must adapt the content and structure of your outline to the text you are writing as well as to the instructions provided in the exercise. Have a look at the structure of an adapted outline in the following example.

In short, an outline is a map in which you divide the information into different sections. Outlines are not rigid structures, but flexible ones that allow you to adapt to the text and instructions you have to write. The order is hierarchical, which means that ideas go from general to specific. This method will help you arrange information and speed up writing time.

Example

Instructions:

Write an essay of 140 – 190 words talking about positive and negative aspects of the education system in your country.

Outline:

Text:

The education system in Spain

The education system in Spain has largely been under scrutiny. Its analysis will help us to objectively study the perks and drawbacks of the system.

Firstly, we will explore the advantages. There are many public schools and universities in Spain. Moreover, the implementation of new technologies inside and outside the classroom has enhanced motivation in students. In the past few years, education has been revolutionized by the idea of mobile learning. Now, students can study both inside and outside the classroom.

Secondly, we will explore the disadvantages. Unfortunately, even though Spain has a web of public education institutions, the expenses are still a barrier for many families and students. On the one hand, materials for children at school are too expensive. On the other hand, scholarships for university students are scarce and not sufficient. In addition, Individual differences among students are overseen resulting in loss of motivation and finally in school dropout.

In conclusion, the education system in Spain opens doors with its implementation of technology and public institutions. However, the lack of financial support and the rigid standard are closing those same doors to thousands of students.

Términos y condiciones

Teresa

Degree in English Philology, Master in ICT for language teaching and processing, EFL teacher, translator in international meetings, and Cambridge preparer. Specialized in language processing and e-learning content creation.