SH1635

Outlining
I. Outlining defined
An outline is basically a blueprint of some more elaborate written structure. Its function is to
help the writer construct a more unified and a better organized idea of a composition or essay.
(Serrano & Ames cited in Bargo, Darwin 2014)
An outline is a summary that gives the essential features of a text. It shows how the parts of a
text are related to one another as parts that are of equal importance, or sections that are subordinate
to the main idea. It is also used as a guide to organizing your ideas before writing an essay.
(Tiongson & Rodriguez, 2016)

A. Types of Outline
1. Topic Outline - uses single words or phrases in the headings
I. Classification of Animals Based on Habitat
a. Terrestrial Animals
b. Aerial Animals
c. Aquatic Animals
i. Freshwater Animals
ii. Saltwater or Marine Animals
d. Amphibious Animals
II. Classification of Animals Based on Food
a. Herbivores
b. Carnivores
c. Omnivores

2. Sentence Outline - expands each part into full sentence

1. Animals are classified according to habitat.
a. Terrestrial animals live on land.
b. Aerial animals live in the air.
c. Aquatic animals live in water.
i. Freshwater animals live in water forms that are not salty.
ii. Saltwater or marine animals live in water forms that are salty.
d. Amphibious animals live partly on land and partly in water.
2. Animals are classified according to food.
a. Herbivores are animals that eat plants.
b. Carnivores are animals that eat other animals.
c. Omnivores are animals that eat both plants and animals.

3. Mixed Outline - allows you to put your main ideas in complete sentence form and
your subordinate ideas in topic form
I. Animals are classified according to habitat.
a. Terrestrial Animals
b. Aerial Animals
c. Aquatic Animals
i. Freshwater Animals
ii. Saltwater or Marine Animals
II. Animals are classified according to food.

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a. Herbivores
b. Carnivores
c. Omnivores

4. Paragraph Outline - lists the topic ideas of each paragraph in order

I. Animals are classified according to habitat.
II. Animals are classified according to food.
III. Animals are classified according to structure.
IV. Animals are classified according to locomotion.
V. Animals are classified according to reproduction.

B. Sample format for Outlining

1. Numeral form or Roman Numeral
I. First level (main heading)
A. Second level
1. Third level
2. Third level
a. Fourth level
b. Fourth level
1) Fifth level
2) Fifth level
a) Sixth level
b) Sixth level

2. Arabic form or Dewey Decimal

1. First level (main heading)
1.1. Second level
1.1.1. Third level
1.1.2. Third level
1.1.2.1. Fourth level
1.1.2.2. Fourth level
1.1.2.2.1. Fifth level
1.1.2.2.2. Fifth level
1.1.2.2.2.1. Sixth level
1.1.2.2.2.2. Sixth level

3. Alphanumeric form
A. First level (main heading)
1. Second level
a. Third level
b.Third level
2. Second level
B. First level (main heading)

The Roman numeral outline is widely used in schools and industries. The Dewey
decimal outline is frequently observed in engineering, research, and technically-

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oriented fields. The alphanumeric outline is usually utilized in government institutions.

Among these outline forms, Dewey decimal has an advantage because it is expandable
using the numbers.

References:
Bargo, D. D. (2014), Writing in the Discipline. Quezon City: Great Books Publishing
Tiongson, M. A., & Rodriguez M. R., (2016), Reading and Writing Skills. Manila: Rex Book Store

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