Page 94 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Outlining is often the last step in the prewriting process. Once you
have used one or more of the other prewriting methods, organizing

your thoughts into outline form takes you one step further in the writing

process. Forget about the formal outline with its array of Roman

numerals, ABCs, and 1-2-3s. A short essay calls for a short outline.

Your outline may be just a few words jotted on a page, or it may

include a thesis statement, topic sentences, and a brief listing of
support for each topic sentence. Following are two sample outlines on

the same topic.

Outline 1

Benefits of Karate

1. Confidence

physical confidence

walk taller and straighter

not as klutzy

feel more comfortable with my body

mental confidence

believe more in my ability to do things

2. Self-discipline

plan study time and make better grades

do my homework on weekdays to leave most of the weekend free