The document discusses outlining skills that are important for writing. It defines an outline as a document that briefly summarizes information that will be included in a paper or other document, showing the order and relationship of the pieces of information. The most common type of outline is the alphanumeric outline, which uses Roman numerals, capitalized letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters. The document provides tips for writing outlines, such as being consistent in using either phrases or complete sentences and maintaining parallel structure. It also distinguishes between a topic outline using words or phrases and a sentence outline using complete sentences.

1. To be a good writer…

2. Skill of Outlining
Outline - a document that briefly
summarizes the information that will
be included in a paper, book, speech,
or similar document.

3. Skill of Outlining
Outline - shows the order in which
the information will be presented and
indicates the relationship of the pieces
of information to each other.

4. Types of Outlines
Alphanumeric Outline – most
common type of outline. It is
recognizable to most people.

5. Format of Outline
• Roman Numerals (I, II,…)
• Capitalized Letters (A, B…)
• Arabic Numerals (1, 2…)
• Lowercase Letters (a, b…)

6. Alphanumeric Outline

7. How to make an outline

8. How to make an outline

10. Tips in writing an outline
You can use either phrases or
complete sentences, but be
consistent.

11. Be consistent.
Not: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Basic needs. (phrase)
B. Low home prices. (phrase)
But: I. Good life (phrase)
A. Happy family (phrase)
B. Low prices (phrase)

12. Be consistent.
Not: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Stocks are up. (sentence)
B. Low home prices. (phrase)
But: I. Life is good. (sentence)
A. Stocks are up. (sentence)
B. Home prices are (sentence)
down.

13. Be consistent.

14. Topic Outline
– summarizes the main topics and sub
topics in words or phrases.
main topic – main idea, broadest idea
subtopic – supporting point for a topic

15. Topic Outline

20. Sentence Outline
– uses complete sentence for each
topic and subtopic as it is more
informative compare to topic
outline.

21. Sentence Outline

25. Is this a good outline?

26. Types of Outlines
Decimal Outline – a system of
decimal notation that clearly shows
how every level of the outline relates
to the larger whole.