https://writingresources.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/cb531e4f255fb7e55c8e195b2ba60750.pdf 635990fc2c825ff8e93faf16567c767f PDF Text Text • Writing a Structural Outline • A Writing Centre Workshop • September, 2016 �STRUCTURAL OUTLINES • A well-constructed paper distinguishes between main ideas, supporting points and points of evidence • A structural outline ensures your paper is organized so that the reader understands the hierarchy of your ideas and evidence • It helps you clarify the main topics and order the evidence so they answer your research question, or support your thesis, claim or controlling idea • Outlines save you time during the drafting stage and give you a quick reference to ensure your points are organized logically �CONSTRUCTING AN OUTLINE • Begin by writing your introduction in paragraph form • The introduction is structured from a general introduction to your topic that narrows at the end to focus on your thesis statement, controlling idea or claim • As you revise your paper, the introduction may change to reflect your final version • Include a blueprint of your main points/themes so the reader knows what to expect • Make the points in the introduction follow the order you present them in the paper �DEVELOPING THE OUTLINE • Roman numerals indicate main ideas or headings • Structure these so they are written in parallel structure – that just means they all follow the same grammatical pattern (kind of like in a job description on your resume) • Capital letters indicate important supporting points attached to the main idea you are developing • Numbers indicate details of your evidence and are listed in a pattern of development that you choose to develop your topic; e.g., • General to specific • Most important to least important • Chronological • Spatial/physical �SAMPLE INTRODUCTION & FIRST SECTION As the world’s population grows and global warming affects resource supply and distribution, efficient conservation methods are more important than ever. Soil, energy and water conservation methods that have been practiced for hundreds of years are inadequate to cope with the scale of the environmental pressure that is occurring. Environmental managers must continue to seek ways to honor traditional practices while improving yield and access through the use of technology. I. Soil Conservation A. Terracing as a means to prevent erosion 1. Methods 2. Best traditional practices 3. Technology and soil conservation �OUTLINE EXAMPLE II. Energy Conservation A. Traditional sources of energy 1. Obsolete 2. Traditional forms that have been adapted for modern use B. New technologies III. Water Conservation A. Traditional Methods 1. Condensation 2. Desalination B. New Technologies 1. Conversion IV. Old Ways and the New Technologies A. How to combine the old with the new V. The best approach to resource conservation is to use a combination of traditional methods with current technology. Traditional methods are not adequate to meet the challenges created by population growth and climate change. However, inexpensive but efficient technologies such as , , and have enabled managers and interested citizens to improve the supply and distribution of soil, energy and water resources. �Tired of writing? Maybe these illustrations will help Problem/Solution Approach Using the Journalist’s Questions as a Structural Framework �Balance the Evidence for your Claim 8 �RESOURCES • Four Main Components for Effective Outlines – Purdue Online Writing Lab • How to Outline a Newspaper Article – eHow • How to Write an Outline – wikiHow • Basic Outlining – John Jay School of Criminal Justice � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Writing Templates Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Writing a Structural Outline: Writing Centre Workshop structural outline writing centre