Outlines

INFORMAL OUTLINES 

In informal outlines, you organize your notes into sections that correspond to different parts of your essay. For example:

Introduction

- Discuss background of book 

- State my thesis 

Part 1

- Give background information on the book.

- Talk about its main argument. 

- Introduce the setting. 

FORMAL OUTLINES

Have the same concept behind them as informal ones, but they have specific formats. Formal oulines have more details than informal otlines, and formal outlines also use certain methods of showing relationship between ideas. 

Formal outlines often use Roman numerals, although using Arabic numbers is perfectly acceptable. 

After indicating the main sections of the essay, subparts are indicated with capital letters. 

1. Introduction 

     A. Background information 

     B. Thesis

     C. Preview of supporting reasons

2. Main Body

     A Main point 1 

     B Main pont 2 

etc.

If those sub-parts have parts, then their level is shown with small letters (or small Arabic numbers if using a Roman numeral scheme) and a further indention: 

1. Introduction 

     A. Background information 

          a. Idea 1 

          b. Idea 2

     B. Thesis

          a. Idea 1 

          b. Idea 2

     C. Preview of supporting reasons

          a. Idea 1 

          b. Idea 2

HOW TO RESEARCH EFFECTIVELY

Good academic writing uses information from multiple sources to support its main ideas. 

- Visitng the library

- Using the internet

- Talking to experts