Writing an Outline: Key Guidelines

This page provides essential instructions for creating an outline, which is a crucial skill for structuring and summarizing texts. The guidelines are divided into three main sections: what to include, what to avoid, and key points to remember.

The document emphasizes the importance of focusing on task-relevant information and using concise language. It instructs students to begin with an introductory sentence that relates to the main issues of the task, followed by identifying the text type and title (if given).

Example: For a text about migrant workers in California, the introductory sentence might state: "The excerpt deals with the situation of migrant workers in California. It contains information concerning..."

The guide strongly advises against restating the task, using first-person pronouns, including personal opinions, or using direct quotations. Instead, it recommends using indirect speech and the author's name when referring to claims or suggestions made in the text.

Highlight: The outline should be approximately one-third of the original text's length, focusing on main ideas and supporting points while avoiding unnecessary explanations or irrelevant information.

Key points to remember include:

• Using your own words
• Employing indirect speech
• Connecting main ideas and supporting points
• Shortening sentences and avoiding enumerations
• Using the simple present tense

Vocabulary:

• Outline: A concise summary of the main points of a text or argument.
• Paraphrase: Restating information in your own words without changing its meaning.

This guide serves as an excellent resource for students learning how to create effective outlines, which is a fundamental skill for academic writing and text analysis.