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The preliminary outline is just as the name suggests, preliminary. It
is, quite simply, a guess at what you think your paper format might look
like. This outline is important for two reasons: 1) It guides your
research, focusing your reading on more specific topics; and 2) the outline
gives you a plan, a start to the rather daunting process of drafting your essay.
The format is that of a basic outline or a story board,
depending on the nature of your project. You should include as much
information as possible at this point, though it may not be much in some
areas. You do not need complete sentences, just topics or headings.
Place your controlling statement at the top of the page and
then begin your outline.
While assembling this outline, begin thinking about the structure of your
project. Break the project into sections and sub-sections, which would
consist of several paragraphs each. Think hard about how your topic breaks out
logically, so that the paper will be easy for your reader to follow.
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| After you continue research, you will
need to revise your outline and tie it to your reading and notes.
You probably have quite a stack of papers by this time, between web
printouts, photocopies, source pages with notes, etc.
This step in the project will really depend on your
style as a learner, student, and researcher. But the outcome should
be a detailed outline with references to your notes. Here are a few
tips:
- Revisit your controlling statement. Does it still describe
your paper's purpose? If not, tweak it.
- Next, take your preliminary outline. Revise it and add to it as much
as you can. Write in complete sentences when possible. Try to formulate your essay as firmly as you can at this
point.
- Now find yourself a spot with a little room to spread out.
- Read each note and decide where it best fits into your outline.
Then write the source letter and note number into your outline.
- Type up a formal copy of the topic outline with your
source/note numbers
included. This outline will help you as you write your essay.
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