How to Make a Paragraph Outline

Outlines are blueprints for writing. They indicate which ideas go where and help you build a structurally sound paper or essay. A paragraph outline is a short, detailed outline listing what you plan to write and in what order you plan to write it. To create a paragraph outline, remember the basic outline structure that important ideas come before supporting and less important ideas. Each idea should flow smoothly and logically to the next.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Write the topic sentence, the main idea of the paragraph. Introduce the main points that you'll discuss in the rest of the paragraph.

   • 2

     Add the first main point. This is the first point you introduced in your topic sentence.

   • 3

     Include supporting, detailed sentences. One or two sentences should support each main point.

   • 4

     Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the second and third main points.

   • 5

     Finish with a concluding sentence that summarizes the main points.