Write a purpose. Write this purpose by itself. It will always remain at the front of the outline. The purpose should be no more than one or two lines in length and directly state the overall purpose of the article. This is the statement you will use to guide the rest of your outline. A statement may be as simple as "To show the importance of communication in a relationship."
Write a basic introduction. Do not write the introduction in its entirety. The goal is to write key sentences and ideas of what will be expressed. Outline the central idea of the introduction in writing. Beneath this, use a bullet list or different-colored index cards to list the topics covered in the central idea. This will allow you to manipulate these elements separately, either rearranging, removing or adding to them as your article develops.
Develop a paragraph or two around each of the key points expressed in your outline. These paragraphs should capture the essence of what you want to express. Use key words and phrases that will guide you in the writing process when you refer back to the outline.
Read your outline from start to finish. Look for topics you want to cover that aren't included in your outline. Be sure the outline flows logically and expresses each element of your topic. Present the statement, the argument and the conclusions in order. Ensure that each element of your outline includes sufficient information to support each of these sections. Type your outline when you are sure what you have is the formal outline.