Prewriting : Outlining a Paragraph
An outline is a helpful guide for you to use as you write a paragraph. In an outline, you list your ideas in the order in which you will write about them. Then after writing the rough draft, refer to your outline. Doing so will help you to stay on the topic and to write a well-organized paragraph
Exemple : Simple outline
Topic sentence
a- Main spporting sentence
b-Main supporting sentence
c-Main supporting sentence, etc
Concluding sentence
Model :
Snow skiing must take extreme precautions on the slopes.
A. They must consider the weather conditions.
B. They must consider the slope conditions.
C. They must consider the own ability.
D. They must obey the warning signs.
Snow skiing is a safe and enjoyable winter sport if skiers take a few precautions.
Exemple : Detailes outline
Topic sentence
a- Main spporting sentence
1. Supporting detail
2. Supporting detail
3. Supporting detail
b-Main supporting sentence
1. Supporting detail
2. Supporting detail
3. Supporting detail
c-Main supporting sentence
1. Supporting detail
2. Supporting detail
3. Supporting detail
Concluding sentence
Each of the supporting sentences A, B and C are the main points of the paragraph. Each of them supports the topic sentence. Supporting details 1, 2and 3 are the supporting details for each main supporting sentence.
Note :
Outlines are not as regular as this model. Every outline will probably have a different number of main supporting sentences and a different number of supporting details.
1. Snow skiing is an expensive sport.
2. A river runner should follow this procedure.
3. A sky diver must follow these instructions.