What Are the Different Kinds of an Outline?

Outlines help writers to organize what they are going to say before they write it. Alphanumeric outlines and decimal outlines provide the writer with a structure that starts at the beginning with a general statement and moves logically and sequentially to a conclusion that is backed up with details. This kind of outline used to be the only way students learned to plan their work. Since the 1980s, though, mind-maps and graphic organizers have been taught as an alternative way to plan writing.

Features

Alphanumeric outlines are nested lists headed by main ideas which are followed by the supporting details and concepts. Each heading is more general than its subsequent arrays of indented subordinate lists. Each set of lists follows the same pattern to give the final composition a predictable structure. The main ideas are labeled with Roman numerals. The next layer of indented ideas is labled with capital letters. Next comes regular Arabic numbers followed by lower case letters, followed by lower case Roman numerals. If there are three sub-headings (A, B, and C) under the first main idea (I), there should be three sub-headings under II, III, and IV as well in an alphanumeric outline.

Types

Decimal outlines are very similar to alphanumeric outlines. Instead of switching from numbers to letters, sub-headings of the first main point one are indicated by 1.1, 1.2. and 1.3 and sub-headings of the second main point are 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Most computer word processing programs allow the user to select which type of outline format they prefer. This function is listed usually in the format menu under "Bullets and numbering."

Considerations

While some writers prefer to use just key words or phrases in their outlines, others choose to fill in their outline with complete sentences. This approach has the additional benefit of pre-writing the first sentences of each paragraph. Regardless, an outline is a sequential, linear way to plan a written project and helps the writer develop parallel, predictable structure, even amounts of content per section, and a logical progression from the most general idea to the most specific conclusion.

Expert Insight

Some writers are more global thinkers who feel constrained and obstructed by the sequential task of creating an alphanumeric or decimal outline. They may be more attracted to a mind-map or a graphic organizer. This is a visual way to arrange one's ideas that creates links and relationships by drawing lines between words and phrases. It may end up looking like a web. To the sequential thinker, this would be impossible to follow. To the global thinker, this gives the opportunity to plan without sacrificing a certain freedom.

Function

Planning is part of the writing process no matter which kind of outline you choose. Starting with the topic, format and intended audience, good writers do research to gather their information. Then they organize the information into a plan, the outline, from which they will create the rough first draft. After getting some helpful criticism, the next step is to rewrite until the concepts flow well and can easily be grasped by the reader. Finally, the writing must be edited for mechanics, grammar and spelling. Only after each step has been completed is it ready to be shared, turned in to a teacher, or submitted for publication.

Resources

• Graphical Outlines Explained
• Creating Standard Outlines