Developing an Outline (author credit) Show
An outline reflects logical thinking and correct classification. PURPOSEGenerally
Particularly
PROCESSBefore you begin:
Then:
THEORYAn outline has a balanced structure which uses the principles of:
ParallelismWhenever possible, in writing an outline, coordinate heads should be expressed in parallel form. That is, nouns should be made parallel with nouns, verb forms with verb forms, adjectives with adjectives, and so on. Although parallel structure is desired, logical and clear writing should not be sacrificed simply to maintain parallelism (For example, there are times when nouns and gerunds used at the same level of an outline are acceptable.) Reasonableness and flexibility of form is preferred to rigidity. CoordinationIn outlining, those items which are of equal significance have comparable numeral or letter designations; an A is equal a B, a 1 to a 2, an a to a b, etc. Coordinates should be seen as "having the same value." Coordination is a principle that enables the writer to maintain a coherent and consistent document. Correct coordinationA. Producer led theories of consumption B. Consumer led theories of consumption C. Reciprical models of consumptionIncorrect coordinationA. Producer led theories of consumption B. Adorno and Horkheimer C. BaudrillardExplanation: Adorno and Horkheimer represent one example of producer led theories of consumption and should be treated as a subdivision. Baudrillard represents an example of consumer led theories of consumption. One way to correct coordination would be: A. Types of theories 1. Producer led theories of consumption 2. consumer led theories of consumption B. Evaluation of specific examples of theories 1.Adorno and Horkheimer 2. BaudrillardSubordinationIn order to indicate relevance, that is levels of significance, an outline uses major and minor heading. Thus in ordering ideas you should organize material from general to specific or from abstract to concrete - the more general or abstract the concept, the higher the level or rank in the outline. This principle allows your material to be ordered in terms of logic and requires a clear articulation of the relationship between component parts used in the outline. Subdivisions of a major division should always have the same relationship to the whole. Correct subordinationA. Word processing programs 1. Applewriter2. WordstarB. Thought processors 1. Thinktank2. THORFaulty subordinationA. Word processing programs 1. Applewriter2. Useful 3. ObsoleteExplanation: There is an A without a B. Also 1, 2, 3 are not equal; Applewriter is a type of word processing program, and useful and obsolete are qualities. One way to correct this faulty subordination is: DivisionTo divide you always need at least two parts; therefore, there can never be an A without a B, a 1 without a 2, an a without a b, etc. Usually there is more than one way to divide parts; however, when dividing use only one basis of division at each rank and make the basis of division as sharp as possible. Example 1:A. Microcomputers hardware 1. Types 2. Cost 3. Maintenance B. Microcomputers softwareExample 2A. Computers 1. Mainframe 2. Micro a. Floppy Disk b. Hard disk B. Computer Uses 1. Institutional 2. PersonalFORM The most important rule for outlining form is to be consistent!! An outline can use TOPIC OR SENTENCE STRUCTURE. A TOPIC outline uses words or phrases for all entries; uses no punctuation after entries Advantages - presents a brief overview of work; is generally easier and faster to write than a sentence outline A SENTENCE outline uses complete sentences for all entries; uses correct punctuation Advantages - presents a more detailed overview of work including possible topic sentences; is easier and faster for writing the final paper. An outline can use Roman Numerals/Letters or Decimal form. Roman Numeral Decimal I. 1.0 A. 1.1 B. 1.2 1. 1.2.1 2. 1.2.2 a. 1.2.2.1 b. 1.2.2.2II. 2.0 A. 2.1 B. 2.2 C. 2.3 What are the principles of outline?The principles of outlining include consistency, unity, coherence, and emphasis. Coordinate points in an outline are on the same level of importance in relation to the thesis of the speech or the central idea of a main point.
What principle of making an outline adheres to the usage of the same structure and format?Following the principle of unity should help your outline adhere to the principle of coherence, which states that there should be a logical and natural flow of ideas, with main points, subpoints, and sub-subpoints connecting to each other.
What principle of outlining that the entries should observe the same language structure?Form. The most important principle for an outline's form is consistency. An outline can use TOPIC or SENTENCE structure, but be consistent in form all the way through. A TOPIC outline uses words or phrases for all points; uses no punctuation after entries.
What principle of outlining that each heading should break into two or more parts?Division. To divide you always need at least two parts; therefore, there can never be an A without a B, a 1 without a 2, an a without a b, etc. Usually there is more than one way to divide parts; however, when dividing use only one basis of division at each rank and make the basis of division as sharp as possible.
|