Sometimes your instructor, prompt, or competency may ask you to create a formal outline – that is, an outline that is formatted according to the traditional rules of outlining. This kind of outlining process can help you organize your thoughts and create a structure for your paper before you start drafting. For more pre-writing and writing process guides click here.
Rules of Outlining
It should use a standard lettering or numbering convention. This means that numbers and letters are used to indicate the different layers of the outline – key points, supporting points, specific examples, etc. The most common convention is the alphanumeric layout:
Top level – Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, etc.)
Second level – Capital letters (A, B, C, D, etc.)
Third level – Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
Fourth level – Lowercase letters (a, b, c, d, etc.)
The decimal layout is also fairly common:
Top level – A single Arabic numeral (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
Second level – A numeral with one decimal place (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.)
Third level – A numeral with two decimal places (1.11, 1.12, 2.11, 2.22, etc.)
These ways of organizing an outline are meant to make the author (you) consider the relationships between pieces of information – which ideas are the primary ones and which ideas or evidence support those primary points? How much detail do you want to include?
Each level of the outline should be grammatically parallel – in other words, each level of the outline will take the same basic form as other items on that level. In some cases, an instructor might require a full-sentence outline, which means that the points on every level should be written in complete sentences. Whether you use complete sentences or short phrases, be consistent
I. The importance of parallelism
A. Makes outline easier to follow
1. Evidence below major point it supports
2. Paper organization laid out in detail
B. Expresses points of the same type in the same way The rules of parallelism
A. Should use traditional alpha-numeric or decimal scheme
B. Should employ parallelism within every level
Benefits of Outlining
- The outline should lay out all the most important pieces of information to be included in the paper, from main points to supporting points to essential pieces of supporting evidence
- A detailed outline can guide you through the drafting process, making it easier to create a well-structured, carefully organized paper. Notations like 1.2 and A. a. tell you what information goes where, where you might include material from each of your sources, or show you where you have gaps in your ideas.
*Note: Since there is ultimately no single right way to compose an outline, check with your instructor any time you are uncertain or have detailed questions. Remember: your instructor’s expectations and your rubric, prompt, and competency should be your main guidepost for any assignment
Sample Outline One Full-Sentence, Alphanumeric
Why Cats are the best Pets
1. Cats are more self-sufficient than most domestic animals.
A. They can regulate their food intake.
B. They are able to use a litter box.
C. Most cats don’t need excessive human affirmation.
2. Cats are good companions.
A. They enjoy cuddling and bond with humans.
B. They are also independent and don’t need constant attention.
1. Owners can leave cats on their own for a day or two without worrying.
2. Cats enjoy alone time and often withdraw from human company.
3. The human-cat relationship has benefits for both human and cat.
A. House cats are a fully domesticated species.
1. Unlike exotic pets, they acclimate readily to life with humans.
2. They don’t have a constitutional need for a wild diet.
B. Indoor cats live substantially longer lives than indoor-outdoor, outdoor-only, or
feral cats.
C. Petting sessions decrease stress levels for both cat and owner.
4. (Counterargument) Dogs are “man’s best friend.”
A. Some argue that dogs are better pets.
1. They are loyal.
2. They are affectionate.
3. They can perform trained tasks like herding and guiding.
B. But cats also show loyalty and affection.
1. A recent study shows that cats bond with their owners just as dogs do.
2. Cats are not as obsessive, and so their affection is less taxing to owners.
C. Cats can also perform useful tasks such as pest control.
Sample Outline Two Phrase-only, Decimal
Why Cats are the best Pets
1 Self-sufficiency of cats
1.1 Food intake
1.2 Litter box
1.3 Emotional needs
2 Companionship from cats
2.1 Cuddling/bonding
2.2 Independence
2.2.1 Can be alone for a day or two
2.2.2 Enjoy time alone
3 Benefits of human-cat relationship
3.1 Domestication
3.1.1 Acclimate readily to life with humans
3.1.2 Have no need for wild diet
3.2 Length of life
3.3 Effect on stress
4 Counterargument for dogs
4.1 Dog traits
4.1.1 Are loyal
4.1.2 Show excessive affection
4.1.3 Are trainable
4.2 Rebuttal: cat affection
4.2.1 Bond just as dogs do
4.2.2 Not as obsessive/taxing
4.3 Rebuttal: pest control
Need More Help?
Click here to schedule a 1:1 with a tutor, coach, and or sign up for a workshop. *If this link does not bring you directly to our platform, please use our direct link to "Academic Support" from any Brightspace course at the top of the navigation bar.