Review Questions<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Some writers swear by outlines; others loathe them. When assigned an outline in school, I would simply write the assignment, then extract the outline afterward. To this day, I\u2019m an associative rather than a linear writer, whether I\u2019m crafting an assignment description or revising a poem. If this also describes you, try the two techniques later in this chapter: Chapter 2.2: Mind Maps<\/a> and Chapter 2.3: Freewriting<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you find outlines helpful, or if you don\u2019t know yet, you can try using one for your next assignment.<\/p>\n First, set aside a line for each of the things you already know you might need, like an introduction and a conclusion. If your instructor has told you to include a bibliography, add that, too.<\/p>\n Now think about what you\u2019ll be putting in the body of your assignment. Decide on the number of paragraphs you\u2019ll need and number each one. Then jot a quick note describing what each paragraph will be about.<\/p>\n Finally, leave room for three points for each paragraph and describe what each point will say. Each point should help explain the overall topic of the paragraph.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to stray from your outline if needed. Writing is a discovery process, and change is part of that process. If your outline doesn\u2019t conform to your finished project, good! You learned something along the way.<\/p>\n Review Questions<\/p>\n<\/header>\n\n