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There you go – you already have the bones of your outline! 2. In your outline, these would make up the three supporting points. You may want to add more detail to this statement later, but for now, you know the first point in your essay will discuss how dogs are friendly companions, your second point will assess canine intelligence, and your third point will contemplate cuteness. “Dogs are the best pets because they are friendly, intelligent, and cute.”
#Outline rough draft how to#
However, at the beginning of the writing process when you may be feeling overwhelmed, a working thesis can help you decide how to organize the body of your paper.įor instance, if you are writing a five-paragraph essay about why you love dogs, your working thesis could be:
#Outline rough draft free#
This is basically a rough draft of your thesis statement, which you are completely free to change later. It is often helpful to write a “working thesis” before you form the rest of your outline. Thesis statements can be considered “mini-outlines.” In one straightforward sentence, they inform your reader of the main claim (or argument) in your paper, as well as at least three pieces of evidence you will use to support that claim. Here are three tips for how you can best make use of these elements to maximize your outline’s effectiveness. Still, there are some key elements that should be in any outline.
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That makes it difficult to propose a “one-size-fits-all” approach. However, even though most outlines follow a similar structure, there are about as many different ways to fill them in as there are different types of writers. You would then fill out this basic template with more detailed information for your particular paper. You will likely also include subpoints under each of these headings. Usually, you want at least five headings in your outline – an introduction, three supporting points, and a conclusion. An outline is essentially a road map to guide your writing.īefore you begin drafting, you create an outline to plan the order in which you will present your content. Whether you’re writing a five-paragraph essay or a major research project, knowing how to write an outline will help you remain organized and on track as you draft your work. Write out the last couple of sentences with a pen and paper.Just about every writer, English teacher, or seasoned student would agree – outlining is an essential part of the writing process. Write a sentence or two about the problem you’re encountering in completing the project.ģ. Set aside fifteen minutes or so to stretch, have a snack, or take a walk.Ģ. Instead of staring blankly at the page and waiting for inspiration to strike, you might try one of the following suggestions:ġ. Writer’s block – Don’t panic if you find yourself hung up on a certain section or paragraph. You can always revise any weak passages once the draft is complete. Just make a note of the weak segment, and move on. If a paragraph or section of your essay doesn’t come off quite the way you want it, try not to get bogged down in fixing it. Perfectionism- Your first draft will not, by any means, be perfect. If you need to elaborate on a point, or can condense two supporting ideas into a single paragraph, do so. Having developed your outline, you should now be able to begin your rough draft.įlexibility in the outline- Though your outline will assist you in writing your essay, don't be afraid to be flexible in your thinking-your ideas about the structure of the paper may change as you write. The outline- Though there a few different approaches you can take to creating an outline, most will follow this basic pattern.
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You might ask yourself, how are these ideas related? How are they not? Which topics are most important to my thesis or argument?
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Essentially, creating an outline allows you to organize your research into cohesive themes and ideas before you begin writing. I have my resources! Now what? – Now that you’ve gathered your initial sources and citations, it’s time to begin the outlining process.
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