Outline Format
The outlining strategy involves organizing information so that information is arranged from general to specific. Outlining can be modified to accommodate personal needs and preferences. For example, outlines can be formal or informal (e.g. with or without Roman numerals). And notes in outline form can also be modified easily into study guides for exam preparation.
· You might want to develop a Template to save on your computer at home
o Do the required reading to be covered in class, and develop a "skeleton" outline or template based on the reading.
o Use the major headings in the chapter to form the major sections of the outline.
o The details are filled in during reading and lectures.
· Arrangement of Information
o Each major section of the outline should cover one major topic.
o Arrange the information within the section from general to specific, indenting the information each time the level of specificity changes.
· Symbols
o The most common symbols used in outlining are Roman numerals, upper and lower case letters, and numbers.
· Record Notes
o Short phrases, symbols, shorthand, and abbreviations may be used to record notes in the outline.
o Drawings or figures may be incorporated to the right of the notes or between lines
A sample outline is given below.
· I. MOST GENERAL INFORMATION ON A TOPIC (HEADINGS)
o A. Sub Heading
§ 1. First Detail – name, dates, places, laws, documents
a. more details
b. more details
c. more details
§ 2. Second Detail – name, dates, places, laws, documents
a. more details
b. more details
o B. Sub Heading