One strategy for writing a paper is to make an outline in which you break down your paper into sections and subsections.
Before writing an outline, it’s important to have an argument, thesis, or hypothesis around which you build your outline. This main idea may change over the course of writing; however, it’s important to have something around which to focus your outline as you go.
- After you write your outline, you might need to move things around, do more research, or omit some of the points.
- Remember, an outline is just an organizational tool and not a set in stone plan. Writing is a process, and often our papers change as we write them.
Reverse outlining can help you clarify and organize your ideas as you revise your writing. It's also a useful note-taking strategy.
Are you having trouble making progress on a writing project? These strategies can help you get unstuck!
In this video, you'll learn about the highlighter method, a revision strategy that can work well for visual learners.
Need to review a colleague's draft? This video introduces you to strategies and best practices for providing feedback to other writers.