Outlines
Purpose
Organize ideas from main to supporting ideas before writing. That will help writing flow from general to specific ideas.
How
- Write down the main ideas first — these are relatively broad
- Underneath each main idea, put the subtopics
- Underneath each subtopic, put the details
Note: Writers could use ideas from a Venn diagram or mind map and put them in an outline. But outlines do not need to contain any information from any graphic organizer. Outlines are just another tool to organize thought.
See it in Action!
Watch
How to write an outline
This short video shows how to take broad ideas and organize them step-by-step into an outline. Great for learners who need help turning thoughts into structure.
Timestamp: 2:38 – 3:10
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Practice
Scratch outline with a tutor think-aloud
This video shows a tutor building a scratch outline while thinking aloud. It's a good example of how outlining can be informal but still help shape your ideas.
Timestamp: 13:30 – 14:50
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Writing a more formal outline for an opinion piece
Although made for children, this video clearly explains how to structure a formal outline — and includes a practical writing example.
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Learn More
Other formats for outlines: map, timeline, flowchart
Outlines aren’t always lists. This video shows how timelines, charts, and visual maps can also help structure writing ideas.
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Add Complexity
Structured essay outline – invention of braille
This video walks through a clear, formal outline for an essay. It uses a real topic (braille) to show how ideas can be arranged step-by-step.
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How to write an outline | Writing essentials
This detailed tutorial covers outlining step-by-step, including topic selection, structure, and logical order. Great for more advanced learners.