When people hear the word "outline" they automatically assume that outlines are extra work, time consuming, and overall . . . pointless! Although at times the feeling is mutual, outlines are extremely beneficial.
There are two types of outlines: formal and informal. Formal outlines are typically used for business or research. When creating formal outlines you use the alphabets for your main topics and numbers for your supporting ideas. This allows you to indicate and pin-point your ideas; therefore, when you are creating your paragraphs it will guide you into the correct direction and keep you on topic. Formal outlines typically don't start out with alphabets, roman numerals, or numbers. They generate from informal outlines.
Informal outlines are when you jot down your ideas on random napkins or post- it notes. Informal outlines are more frequently used and a lot easier to create. I use them all the time during writing. When I have writer's block, I tend to walk away from the paper and try to clear my head by going for a walk or drive. Generally, during my relaxation period, random things will begin to appear in my head and whatever is near me at the time is getting written on. I have recorded myself, wrote on napkins, even on take out bags and/ or trays!
When society quits letting certain words cloud their judgement, then things will become a lot more easier. We hear certain things and we allow it to create a panic attack. When your professor tells you to write an outline next time, think of it as a compass. The compass is used to guide you when you are lost. The outlines are used to help you form specific ideas and topics. Therefore, once you have your main topics and supporting ideas you can form consistent paragraphs; which will then lead to your destination . . . A GREAT PAPER!
Oh, goodness, yes, the anxiety that writing creates with certain key words (and math, too, is bad for that, yes?). That is why we change words we use for things in society. People start hearing things they aren't really meant, so we have to move to a fresh word to reset people's minds. This has to happen periodically to be effective; thus, for example, the many once politically correct ways to describe a someone with a disability.
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