EIGHTH LESSON: THE OUTLINE

 Today we are going to see how to elaborate an outline properly.

First, let's see the outline's format.

An outline has a maximum of 4 levels of detail.

I. Roman Numbers

         A. Capital letters 

                1. Arabic numbers

                         a. Low case letters 

In roman numbers, you can place the main point and in the other levels, you can write a supporting idea or an example.

There are three types of outlines.

• Topic Outline ( just phrases)
• Sentence Outline (complete sentences)
• Summary outline (summary of an essay)

Example of Topic Outline.

Taken from https://images.examples.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/apa-outline-1.png

As you can see in this example, the main points aren't complete sentences, they are just phrases.

In the Arabic numbers, you can give examples and expand a little bit your ideas.

I recommend that if you have A. B. C. on one or two points you better put A. B. C. on the other main points.

Example of Sentence Outline.

Taken from https://www.museumlegs.com/g/014-topic-outline-example-research-papermal-sentence.png

In this outline, you can see complete sentences with complete ideas.

Example of a Summary outline 

Taken from e-campus

As you can see, a summary outline it's basically the summary of information from an essay or chapter of a book.

Now let's practice by doing a sentence outline.

Advantages of Physical Activities.

 

 

        I.            Introductory paragraph

A.    Did you know that most people that practice physical activities are healthier? (CATCHING PHRASE)

B.     Through the years, practicing physical activities has brought many advantages to the human body in different aspects such as social environment, physical health, and mental health. (THESIS STATEMENT)

 

     II.            Social environment will improve once you start doing physical activities. (MAIN POINT 1)

A.    Social relationships can be influenced by the environment in which you will practice these activities. (EXAMPLE 1)

B.     Social skills will improve in such a way that it could be easier to be surrounded by new people. (EXAMPLE 2)

 

3. Physical Health is one of the most important things that physical activities can improve. (MAIN POINT 2)

A.    Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by getting 150 minutes per week of physical activity, also lowering your blood pressure, and improving your cholesterol levels. (EXAMPLE 1)

B.     Physical activity at a moderately-intense level can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. (EXAMPLE 2)

 

  IV.            Another important point that normally is not taken into account is mental health. (MAIN POINT 3)

 

A.    Engaging in smaller activities for a shorter amount of time is the best way to start, especially when you are trying to overcome bouts of anxiety, depression, or stress. (EXAMPLE 1)

 

B.     Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul, if it becomes a habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong. (EXAMPLE 2)

 

    V.            Concluding paragraph

 

A.    As a conclusion, practicing physical activities is convenient, because it has many advantages to your life, for example, improvements in social environment, physical and mental health. (RESTATEMENT OF POINTS)

B.     It is well known that being a sedentary person is easier, but doing something for your health, it’s harder but it feels better. (RESTATEMENT OF POINTS)

 And that is how you have to make an outline.