What is an outline?

An outline is a helpful guide in organizing your paper. Outlines give a visual structure to your work and are used to show relationships and hierarchies within your content.

To outline, you must create a linear, organized plan for your paper that shows the main ideas that you will discuss as well as their relationships within the paper. See example outlines and other tips on how to outline on the Writing Center's webpage.

Outlines usually organize the following components of your written work:

• Introduction
• Thesis
• Body (major points and minor points)
• Conclusion

Note: Remember that the outline is like the skeleton of your work; you will still need to include analysis and explanation of why these major and minor points support your thesis.

Additional Resources:

• Review the recorded webinar "Prewriting Techniques: Taking the First Steps" for more tips on outlining and other prewriting activities.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS ! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.