Writing a Topic Outline

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to

organize ideas in a reading text using an outline.
You will also be able to create a topic outline as a
draft before writing a piece of work.
• When given a writing task, such as an
analysis or review of a book you just read,
how do you organize your ideas?
 Learn about it!
• What makes an essay or article easy to read?
When ideas flow smoothly from one
paragraph to another, understanding is easier
to achieve. All ideas, therefore, must be
organized properly. One of the common ways
to do this is through an outline.
 What Is an Outline?
• An outline is the skeleton of any written text. It serves as
a guide in organizing your ideas. Usually, it is done before
you write your piece. It is a tool for reading, too. You can
outline the ideas of a piece of work to better understand
it.
• The two basic types of outline are the topic outline and
the sentence outline. A topic outline uses words and
phrases to list ideas, while a sentence outline uses
complete sentences to define the subject matter.
• In this lesson, you will learn more about the topic outline.
 How to Write a Topic Outline
• A topic outline is divided into three levels: the headings, the
subheadings, and the sub-subheadings.
• In choosing the headings of your outline, look for the main ideas in
the passage or text. Roman numerals (e.g., I, II, III…) are used to
identify the headings. For subheadings, get the supporting ideas
that further explain the main ideas. Use capital letters (e.g., A, B,
C…) to present the subheadings. Sub-subheadings are the specific
details or concrete examples of the supporting ideas. Arabic
numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3…) are used for sub-subheadings. However,
sub-subheadings are only given when necessary.
• In writing a topic outline, use short words or key phrases only. Also,
do not forget toindent the subheadings and the sub-subheadings.
 Example:
• Below is the basic format of a topic outline:
Chocolate Hills
• I. General Description
A. Total number (count)
B. Color
• 1. Brown in sunny days
• 2. Leaf green in rainy days
C. Height
• II. Origin Stories
A. Two giants hurling rocks
B. Love story of Arogo and Aloya
 Explanation:
• Based on the example, the author does the
following:
• Identifies two main ideas about a topic
• Writes two or three supporting ideas after
each main idea
• Gives two specific details under one
supporting idea
 Tips
• Remember the following points about topic
outline:
• Use short words and phrases only in writing.
• Do not forget to indent the subheadings and
sub-subheadings. (See the given example.)
 Summary
• Like a map, an outline shows you where each
idea is placed, how all of them fit together, and
how each leads to the central idea in a passage
or text. Using an outline makes reading or
writing easier.
• A topic outline makes use of words and
phrases from passages or texts to identify main
ideas, supporting ideas, and specific details or
examples.
 Key Points
• In this lesson, you have learned the following
concepts:
• An outline is a summary that gives the
essential features of a text.
• A topic outline is a tool that makes
comprehension and writing of ideas easy.
• In writing a topic outline, make sure to
use short words and phrases.