WRITING A FORMAL OUTLINE
PAPER OUTLINE
Not all paper require a formal outline
 Not all researcher need one
 A short research paper can be developed:
 -- from key terms
 -- list of issues
 -- a rough outline
 -- a first draft
 * rough or informal outline can make sure you
cover all the key points and it can guide your
research

PAPER OUTLINE
A
formal outline can do more:
 -- it can classifies the issues of your
study into clear, logical categories
with main headings and one or more
levels of subheadings
 An outline can change your notes,
drafts, copied materials into an
ordered progress of ideas
USING STANDARD OUTLINE SYMBOLS
I._________________ First Major Heading

A. ______________ Subheading of first degree

1.________
Subheading of second degree

2.________

a._______
Subheading of third degree

b._______

(1) ___

(2) ___
Subheading of fourth degree

B.________________
 II.__________________ Second Major Heading

WRITING A FORMAL TOPIC OUTLINE












Purpose: quick with phrases
Then, the topic outline may use noun phrases
Example:
III. The sense
A. Receptors to detect light
1. Rods of the retina
2. Cones of the retina
Another example:
III. Sensing the environment
A. detecting light
1. sensing dim light with retina rods
2. sensing bright light with retina cones
WRITING A FORMAL SENTENCE OUTLINE
This type requires full sentences for each heading
and subheading
 There are two advantages:
 1. many of them can serve as topic sentences for
paragraphs, so that this can accelerate the
writing process
 2. The subject/verb pattern establishes the logical
direction of your thinking
 * The time invested in writing a complete
sentence outline will pay off when you write the
rough draft and revise it.

PLANNING BEFORE WRITING:
I. You should consider your reason for publishing before writing
a. Your main reason should be that you have something to say
1.scholars contribute to profession dialogue by publishing
2. your contribution should be timely, and add new ideas to the
existing literature
3. There are two types of research that you can conduct:
i: groundbreaking work is usually not expected from new scholars
ii: expectation for new scholar is usually good steady work
4. Your publication should be part of a coherent and sustained
research program
b. There is a more practical reason for writing, which is to gain
opportunity.
1. academic job seekers gain advantage when with some publications
2. you will also gain favor towards the tenure decision
i: number of your publications counts
ii: clear research theme and focus will help
iii: the quality of the journals you have published in will help
IN CLASS EXERCISE










Write an extended sentence outline
However, you should start with this template.
Topic: fun, interesting one
--Thesis statement (your view on this topic, clear)
-- Develop all the key points to investigate based on
your thesis statement
* should have at least 3 points
-- Develop subheading for each of your key points
* remember to mingle your examples to the
supporting statements
-- Summary/Conclusion
* restate your position, and make sure to include a
punch line at the end!
REVIEW AND DISCUSS YOUR WRITING

Please talk!