Dreading the Writing Assignment? Outlines to the Rescue
As a student, you may have experienced the struggle of dreading a writing assignment. Whether it's an essay for English class or a research paper for a scientific subject, the thought of sitting down and writing can be daunting. However, with the help of outlines, you can make the process much easier and less intimidating.
Outlines are a blueprint of your essay or paper. They help you organize your thoughts and ideas into a structured and logical order. This way, you can see the big picture and break it down into manageable parts. You can also make sure that you stay on topic and don't veer off into unrelated tangents.
Here are some ways that outlines can be beneficial:
1. Saves Time
When you have an outline in place, it can help you save a lot of time. You can avoid the frustration of staring at a blank screen and not knowing where to start. Instead, you can start by creating a rough outline and then fine-tuning it once you have a better idea of what points to include.
2. Helps with Organization
Good writing is about organization. Outlines help you arrange your ideas in a logical and coherent manner. When you have a structure to follow, it makes it much easier to write and to comprehend your writing.
3. Helps with Clarity
Outlines can help you understand what you want to write about and how to write it. By breaking down your main points and supporting arguments, you can see what you need to address in order to be clear and concise.
4. Facilitates Analysis
Outlines allow you to evaluate your thesis, sources, and supports. For example, by creating a clear and detailed outline before starting a research paper, you can better determine if you need to research more or if you need to re-arrange your arguments.
5. Helps with Editing
When you follow an outline, you can ensure that you stay on topic and don't veer off into unrelated tangents. This makes it easier to edit your writing when you need to. You can quickly spot irrelevant sentences or paragraphs and make the necessary changes.
So, how do you create an outline? Here are some tips to get started:
1. Start With a Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the main argument or point that you want to make. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Write it down at the top of your outline, then work backwards from there.
2. Break Your Essay into Sections
Once you have your thesis statement, decide how many sections you will need to support your argument. This will depend on the length of your paper and the complexity of the topic. Divide your sections into clear and distinct parts so you can focus on each part in detail.
3. Use Supporting Evidence for Each Section
Each section should have supporting evidence to back up your argument. Write down the sources you will use for each section so you can refer back to them later.
4. Create Sub-Sections
Once you have your sections and supporting evidence, break each one down further into sub-sections. This will help you stay organized and focused on each part of your paper.
5. Don't Forget the Introduction and Conclusion
Your outline should include a clear introduction that sets up your argument and a conclusion that wraps up your paper and restates your thesis statement. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your paper is cohesive.
Overall, outlines are a great tool for any writer who dreads the writing assignment. By following these steps and creating a structured and logical outline, you can take control of your writing and make the process less daunting. Remember, your outline is a blueprint for your paper, and it can help you stay organized, on track, and ensure that you get the grade you deserve.