Prewriting is an important step in the writing process. Fully exploring your ideas and planning out how they will take shape in your paper will ensure you are able to achieve your purpose. Depending on your learning style, some prewriting strategies may work better for you than others.

One common prewriting method is outlining, which complements reading/writing and visual learning styles.

How do you outline?

Outlines typically follow a particular structure, but writers have some flexibility with how they label their outline. Writers can use numbers or letters or even bullets to label points. Remember that this is a prewriting strategy and is typically used to help writers get started. Make it your own, and construct it to make sense for you.

Following are some sample structures you can adopt if you feel outlining is something for you!

Using Numbers

(1) Main Section

1. Topic

2. Topic

i. Example

ii. Explanation

3. Topic

i. Example

ii. Explanation

(2) Main Section

1. Topic

i. Example

ii. Explanation

Using Bullets

  • Main Section
    • Topic
    • Topic
      • Example
      • Explanation
    • Topic
  • Main Section
    • Topic
    • Topic
      • Example
      • Explanation

Keep in mind:

  • It is the most formal, structured prewriting method.
  • Does not usually use full sentences, but can if that helps you stay organized.
  • Needs to be very specific – you will have to develop vague points ahead of time.
  • Usually completed after exploring other prewriting strategies, such as freewriting, listing, or thought mapping/webbing.
  • Actual outline formats exist, but you can adapt to what works best for your learning style and organization preferences. (for example, using various bullet points instead of more structured numbers or letters)
  • Incorporating research can help you ensure you have a good balance of evidence vs your own ideas, and can help you keep track of citation information so you don’t get into trouble later on.
  • Some instructors require a certain labeling method (numbers vs. letters) or require outlines to be in complete sentences. If you are writing an outline for a course, make sure you are adhering to instructor guidelines.

Why should you outline?

  • Helps you get your thoughts organized.
  • Also helps you preview the structure of your paper.
  • Allows you to see potential repetition and other structural issues that could be fixed before you start writing.
  • Easy to look at and critique if you see a Hub tutor or your instructor to verify you’re on the right track.
  • The more complete an outline is, the more the paper will write itself; investing time and energy pays off in the end.

Did you know?

  • While we have talked about outlining as part of the prewriting process, it can be used in other ways. Prewriting strategies often build on one another and aren’t mutually exclusive. One can be used after another to hone your ideas. A writer can start with a strategy like freewriting, listing, or thought mapping/webbing and then take the information gathered and outline. This strategy might be a second or third step instead of the first step.
  • Outlining is often useful at the beginning stages of writing, but it can also be helpful to create a reverse outline to see how your final product turned out. It can also be used later in the process to fix a structural problem in your writing.

Notes to Consider

  • Each Roman numeral represents a new paragraph, with the letters being main points for that paragraph, and the numbers being subpoints to support the main points.
  • This student included an actual quote they will end up using in their paper. That’s a great way to see what research you have, and then identify what you still need. At the very least, writing “need evidence” or “research here” as subpoints will help you remember to add them later.
  • Use an outline style that works for you. This student is using Roman Numerals, letters, and numbers to designate sections of their outline. You really can do whatever you want, as long as it makes sense to you!
  • This student used some full sentences but not all the time. Make sure you follow instructions if writing an outline you’re going to turn in, but if the outline is just for you, then do what works best for you.