The traditional format outline
A traditional outline begins by listing all the main ideas of an essay, and then follows by listing all the sub-topics of those ideas and facts which support the idea or sub-topic. Dash or indented outlining is usually best. The information which is most general begins at the left with each more specific group of facts indented with spaces to the right. The relationships between the different parts are carried out through indenting. Numbers, letters, or Roman numerals may be used but are not necessary. Advantages – Well-organized system if done right. Outlining records content as well as relationships. It also reduces editing and is easy to review by turning main points into questions. Disadvantages – Requires more thought in class for accurate organization. I. Geographic feature #1: Himalayan Mountains 111111111) Description: a) forms an protective arch around India's northern border. b) the tallest mountains in the world. c) very difficult to cross 111111112) Effects on civilization or nation a) acted as a barrier to invasions b) isolates India from cold northern winds II. Geographic feature #2: Sahara Desert 111111111) Description: a) worlds largest desert b) stretches from Atlantic Ocean to Ethiopian Highlands 111111112) Effects on civilization or nation a) isolated northern Africa from rest of continent b) lack of arable land make food production difficult III. Geographic feature #3: Yangtze River 111111111) Description: a) China's longest river b) runs from East China Sea to mountains of Tibet 111111112) Effects on civilization or nation a) supplies good soil and water for limited arable land b) supplies food c) provides means of transportation and communication
The box format outline - Cornell Method
The box method visually divides the essay into sections. Ideas that support each of the sections are placed in the appropriate box. These are main ideas and sometimes have less detail then the outline method. The Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without laborious recopying. Advantages - Organized and systematic for recording and reviewing notes. Easy format for pulling out major concept and ideas. Simple and efficient. Saves time and effort. "Doit-right-in-the-first-place system." Disadvantages - None
Three Geographic Features
Himalayan Mountains
Sahara Desert
Yangtze River
Effect on Civilization or Nation stopped across northern invasions, border of India isolated India tallest mountains stops cold in world northern winds biggest desert in isolated North world Africa from Central stretches from Africa Atlantic to Ethiopian causes a lack of Highlands arable land in Ethiopia longest river in provides water and soil China runs from East provides food China Sea to transportation and mountains of communication Tibet resource
Description of Feature
The Mapping Method outline
The mapping method is the most flexible of the methods. The subject of the essay is placed in the middle. As the writer analyzes the essay and starts dividing it, he or she creates branches and sub-topics from the center concept. Then, facts that support the main sections branch off of the sub-topics. The writer then decides on the order of each of the main sections. Advantages – This format helps you to visually track your lecture regardless of conditions. Little thinking is needed and relationships can easily be seen. It is also easy to edit your notes by adding numbers, marks, and color coding. Review will call for you to restructure thought processes which will force you to check understanding. Review by covering lines for memory drill and relationships. Main points can be written on flash or note cards and pieced together into a table or larger structure at a later date. Disadvantages – You may not hear changes in content from major points to facts.
The Charting Method outline
If the lecture format is distinct (such as chronological), you may set up your paper by drawing columns and labeling appropriate headings in a table. Determine the categories to be covered in lecture. Set up your paper in advance by columns headed by these categories. As you listen to the lecture, record information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc.) into the appropriate category. Advantages – Helps you track conversation and dialogues where you would normally be confused and lose out on relevant content. Reduces amount of writing necessary. Provides easy review mechanism for both memorization of facts and study of comparisons and relationships. Disadvantages – Few disadvantages except learning how to use the system and locating the appropriate categories. You must be able to understand what’s happening in the lecture. When to Use – Test will focus on both facts and relationships. Content is heavy and presented fast. You want to reduce the amount of time you spend editing and reviewing at test time. You want to get an overview of the whole course on one big paper sequence.