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Outlining: Outlining to Troubleshoot

Among the many ways to plan an essay, the outline is a deserving classic. Explore new ways to level up and customise your outlining techniques.

Outlining to resolve writing difficulties

As stated earlier, there is no 'right way' to outline. In fact, you might prefer to build a mind map, move sticky notes around a wall, etc. – the key is to ensure at least one practice in your writing process enables you to envision structure, connect ideas, and consider how argument progresses. To tailor an outlining approach that helps you grow as a writer, try this:

  1. First, reflect on how and why you would like to improve your writing or writing process.
  2. Then, consider if an adjustment to your outlining technique could help address the issue.
  3. Finally, test the outlining modification, and see how it works out.

Example 1: You often receive feedback that your essays are 'jumpy' and movement between points is 'abrupt'.

Outlining fix: You can modify your outlining technique to include the first sentence (i.e., topic sentence) and final sentence (i.e., takeaway or transition sentence) of each body paragraph. Doing this will encourage you to pay more attention to how you establish the focus of individual paragraphs and enable 'flow' between ideas. For more on topic sentences and takeaway points, see our Basics of Structure webinar.

Example 2: You often receive feedback that your ideas are good, but you don't support them with sufficient evidence or literature.

Outlining fix: You might stick to a loose outlining method (i.e., a bullet point per body paragraph with just a few words to express the main idea). However, add one important modification: under each body paragraph's bullet point, add two sub-bullets called Evidence 1 and Evidence 2. Doing this will remind you to reference at least two distinct pieces of literature to support each paragraph's central claim.

Example 3: You often receive feedback that you failed to address/include important aspects of the assignment.

Outlining fix: Before submitting any assessment, boil it down into a reverse outline. This is a way of condensing the entire essay into a 'skeleton' of itself that should make it easier for you to gauge whether key criteria have been met. Compare your reverse outline to the assignment brief, and flag any spots in the latter that you may have overlooked.

On the next page, you will read about some other ways to tailor your outlining approach. The list is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to mix, match, and get creative.