Outlining for Reading
How do outlines relate to reading?
Outlining is a valuable tool for taking notes on written or audio-visual material that you may want to reference later on. This strategy works particularly well for material that follows a logical organization, for example textbooks and argumentative essays.
Why are outlines used to take notes?
The goal when using outlining as a notetaking strategy is to capture arguments and evidence in hierarchical relation to one another. This process enables you to deconstruct arguments and organize information in a manner that is both highly efficient and detailed.
What should an outline look like?
Whether engaging in reading or writing, your outline will often follow this sort of pattern:
It is important that you set up your outline with visual indentation to set off significant points from less significant points or examples. It is less important, ultimately, what pattern of Roman Numerals, numbers, letters, or simple bullet points you choose.
Can I see examples of what this looks like?
Sure, here are two examples:
Outlining is a valuable tool for taking notes on written or audio-visual material that you may want to reference later on. This strategy works particularly well for material that follows a logical organization, for example textbooks and argumentative essays.
Why are outlines used to take notes?
The goal when using outlining as a notetaking strategy is to capture arguments and evidence in hierarchical relation to one another. This process enables you to deconstruct arguments and organize information in a manner that is both highly efficient and detailed.
What should an outline look like?
Whether engaging in reading or writing, your outline will often follow this sort of pattern:
- Main point
- First minor point
- Supporting argument
- Evidence
- Evidence
- Supporting argument
- Evidence
- Supporting argument
- Second minor point
- Supporting argument . . .
- First minor point
- Main point
- Minor point
- Supporting argument
- evidence
- Supporting argument
- Minor point
It is important that you set up your outline with visual indentation to set off significant points from less significant points or examples. It is less important, ultimately, what pattern of Roman Numerals, numbers, letters, or simple bullet points you choose.
Can I see examples of what this looks like?
Sure, here are two examples:
- Here, a student has outlined a section of a world history textbook selection on nationalism in Africa, Asia, and Latin America from 1919-39 (PDF).
- In this example, another student, Helena Park '18, has outlined a section from a U.S. history textbook (Google Doc).
