Weekly Writing Tip: Outline to Stay on Track

An outline, based on your thesis and the main points from your brainstorming and zero draft, can help you keep your thoughts organized and focused as you begin writing your paper. Here is a sample outline for a paper (special thanks to a Learning Lab student for the topic idea):

Thesis: While both cats and dogs are popular pets, cats are better pets because they are easier to care for, less demanding, and more intelligent.

1. Cats are easier to care for than dogs.
1. Feeding
2. Litter box
3. Bathing
4. (Possible 4th point) Lower cost: vet bills, boarding
2. Cats are less demanding than dogs. 
1. Aloof
2. Can care for themselves
3. Travel more easily
3. Cats are more intelligent than dogs.
1. Observant
2. Problem solvers

The format of an outline, unless assigned by an instructor, is up to you. Some students prefer bullet points or bubble charts instead of numbers . The goal is to find a way to keep yourself on topic, to check your flow of ideas, and to narrow down your sub-points.