Outlines
Before you begin to write, it helps to know what you are going to write. This can keep your writing clear, concise, and purposeful.
To start, organize an outline just like any other paper with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This gives you a chance to visualize your paper.
If the outline is yours, feel free to...
use bullet points, letters, or numbers.
change it whenever you like.
start wherever you would like.
Use whichever looks the nicest to you.
Outlines are made to be easily changed and reorganized.
For example, sometimes it helps to make your body paragraphs first to see where the research and/or argument is going.
If the outline is for an assignment, be sure to...
read the assignment and even ask your instructor about their preferences.
read through the outline to make sure the argument is flowing nicely.
include sources and/or research and how they will be used, if you have them.
Sometimes instructors prefer your outline to be made in a very specific way.
The paragraphs need to connect logically.
Often instructors will want to see that you are thinking about your research and how you will use it in your paper.