Writing an Outline: Structure and Tips

An outline is a concise summary of a text that focuses on key information without personal opinions. The structure includes:

Introduction

• First sentence: Mention text type, title, author, and publication date
• Second sentence: State the main topic
• Third sentence: Specify aspects the outline will focus on

Example: "The article 'Climate Change Solutions' written by Dr. Jane Smith was published on May 15, 2023. It deals with innovative approaches to combat global warming. The following outline will focus on the proposed technological solutions and their potential impact."

Main Part

• Use linking words to structure the text logically
• Present important information on requested aspects
• Employ indirect speech to report the author's or quoted individuals' statements

Vocabulary: Linking words such as "firstly," "moreover," and "furthermore" help structure the main part of the outline.

Highlight: When writing an outline, it's crucial to avoid copying from the text, using direct speech, giving personal opinions, or including irrelevant details.

Language Tips

• Use verbs like "state," "claim," "point out," and "suggest" to report ideas
• Employ phrases such as "The author states that..." or "Prof. Dudley criticizes that..."

Example: "The author claims that renewable energy sources will become the primary mode of power generation within the next decade."

This page provides a comprehensive guide on how to write an outline of a text, which is essential for students learning to summarize and analyze written materials effectively.